What is Carer’s Allowance?

Carer’s Allowance is a benefit designed to support individuals who spend a significant amount of time caring for someone with substantial care needs. If you provide at least 35 hours of care per week for a child with long-term health needs, such as ventilation, you may qualify for this payment.

Who Can Claim?

To be eligible for Carer’s Allowance, you must meet the following criteria:

• Care Requirements: You provide at least 35 hours of care per week, including tasks such as monitoring ventilation equipment, feeding, administering medical care, and assisting with personal care.
• Qualifying Disability Benefit: The person you care for must receive a qualifying benefit, such as the middle or higher rate of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
• Income Limit: Your earnings must not exceed £151 per week after tax, National Insurance, and allowable expenses.

How Much?

• Carer’s Allowance is paid at a rate of £81.90 per week, with payments typically made every four weeks.
• From April 2025, this will increase to £83.30 per week, with the earnings threshold rising to £196 per week.

Additional Information

• Universal Credit: If you receive both Carer’s Allowance and Universal Credit, your Universal Credit payment will be reduced by the amount of Carer’s Allowance. Instead, you can claim the Carer Element of Universal Credit for additional support.
• Carer’s Credit: Helps protect your National Insurance record, ensuring you don’t miss out on future benefits.

How to Apply
You can apply for Carer’s Allowance in the following ways:

• Online: Submit your application via the GOV.UK website.
• By Post: Request a paper form from the Carer’s Allowance Unit by calling 0800 731 0297.
• Claims can be backdated for up to three months if you were eligible during that period.

Further Information
For more information on benefits, support, and resources, visit the Welfare section of our website. You can also contact the Carer’s Allowance Helpline at 0800 731 0297 for assistance.

What is Child Benefit?

Child Benefit is a regular payment designed to help parents and guardians with the costs of raising children. Families with children who have special medical needs, such as long-term ventilation, can claim this benefit to support their needs.

Who Can Claim?

You can claim Child Benefit for your child if you meet the following criteria:

• Age Requirement: You are responsible for a child under 16, or under 20 if they are in approved education or training.
• Residency and Immigration: You meet residency and immigration requirements, typically living with or financially supporting the child.
• One Claim per Child: Only one parent or guardian can claim the benefit per child, even if responsibility is shared.

This benefit is available regardless of employment status and can be claimed alongside other payments such as Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Carer’s Allowance if your child has long-term health needs.

How Much?

Child Benefit is paid at two rates:

• Eldest Child: £25.60 per week.
• Additional Children: £16.95 per week.

Payments are usually made every four weeks. However, if you are a single parent or receiving certain benefits, such as Universal Credit, you can request weekly payments.

Additional Information

• High-Income Tax Charge: If you or your partner earns over £60,000 a year, you may have to pay back some or all of the benefit through a tax charge. You can opt out of receiving payments to avoid this charge.
• Backdated Payments: Claims can be backdated for up to three months, so it’s important to apply as soon as you take responsibility for a child.
• Benefit Cap: While Child Benefit counts toward the benefit cap, the full amount will still be paid, although other benefits may be reduced.

How to Apply

How to Apply
You can apply for Child Benefit in the following ways:

• Online: Submit your application via the GOV.UK website.
• By Post: Complete and post a claim form available from HMRC.

For more information on benefits, support, and resources, explore the Welfare section of our website. You can also contact the Child Benefit Helpline at 0300 200 3100 for assistance.

What is DLA?

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is a benefit designed to help with the additional costs of caring for a child under 16 who has a disability or health condition. Children with special medical needs, such as long-term ventilation, may qualify for DLA to support both their care and mobility needs.

Who Can Claim?

You can claim DLA for your child if they meet the following criteria:

• Age Requirement: The child must be under 16 years old.
• Health Condition: The child must have difficulty walking or require additional care due to a disability or health condition. This condition must have lasted (or be expected to last) at least 3 months, with continued support needed for at least another 6 months.
• Care and Mobility Needs: Your child may qualify for the Care Component, the Mobility Component, or both.

For children under 3 years old, only the Care Component is considered, as mobility needs are not assessed until age 3.

How Much?
DLA is paid at two components, each with different rates:

• Care Component (for help with daily living tasks):
• Lowest Rate: £28.70 per week (some help or supervision during the day).
• Middle Rate: £72.65 per week (frequent help or continual supervision during the day or night).
• Highest Rate: £108.55 per week (round-the-clock care or terminal illness).
• Mobility Component (for help with mobility):
• Lower Rate: £28.70 per week (guidance or supervision needed outdoors).
• Higher Rate: £75.75 per week (unable to walk or severe walking difficulty).

From April 2025, these rates will increase slightly.

Additional Information

• Application Start Date: Ordering a claim form by phone sets your claim’s start date to the day of your call. Ensure the form is returned within 6 weeks to backdate payments to the call date.
• Supporting Benefits: DLA can be claimed alongside other benefits such as Carer’s Allowance or funding for specialised equipment.
• Impact of Long-Term Ventilation: If your child uses medical equipment, such as ventilators, ensure their care and mobility needs are clearly explained in your application.

How to Apply
You can apply for DLA in the following ways:

• Online: Submit your application via the GOV.UK website.
• By Post: Call the DLA Helpline at 0800 121 4600 to request a paper form.

Further Information
For more information on benefits, support, and resources, visit the Welfare section of our website. You can also contact the DLA Helpline at 0800 121 4600 for assistance.

What is PIP?

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit for individuals aged 16 and over who have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability. It helps cover the extra costs of daily living or mobility challenges. PIP is not means-tested, so it can be claimed regardless of income or savings. If your child transitions from Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to PIP and requires long-term ventilation, they may qualify for this support.

Who Can Claim?

You can claim PIP if you meet the following criteria:

• Age Requirement: The claimant must be 16 years or older.
• Health Condition: The claimant must have a long-term condition or disability that has caused difficulties with daily living or mobility for at least 3 months and is expected to last for at least 12 months from when the difficulties started.
• Residency and Immigration: The claimant must meet the UK residency and immigration status requirements.

PIP can be claimed even if you are working, have savings, or are receiving most other benefits.

How Much?
PIP is divided into two components:

1. Daily Living Component (for help with everyday tasks):
• Standard Rate: £72.65 per week (for those needing help with some tasks).
• Enhanced Rate: £108.55 per week (for those needing help with most tasks).
2. Mobility Component (for help with getting around):
• Standard Rate: £28.70 per week (for those needing some help with mobility).
• Enhanced Rate: £75.75 per week (for those unable to move around without significant support).

From April 2025, these rates will increase slightly.

Additional Benefits and Support

• Individuals receiving the Enhanced Rate Mobility Component may also qualify for the Motability Scheme, a vehicle tax discount, or a Blue Badge for parking.
• Receiving PIP can entitle individuals to additional benefits, such as a Disabled Persons Railcard or potential Council Tax discounts.

How to Apply
You can apply for PIP once your child turns 16:

• Call the PIP New Claims Line: 0800 917 2222 (Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm).
• Complete the “How Your Disability Affects You” form (PIP2), which will be sent to you after making the claim.

PIP applications are assessed using a points-based system. Be prepared to:

• Provide detailed information about the claimant’s care and mobility needs, including any specific medical requirements such as ventilation support, as well as assistance needed with daily living tasks.
• Submit additional evidence if requested.
• Attend a face-to-face or virtual assessment, if required, and explain how the condition impacts daily life.

Further Information
For more information on benefits, support, and resources, visit the Welfare section of our website. You can also contact the PIP Helpline at 0800 917 2222 for assistance.

What is Universal Credit?

Universal Credit is a monthly payment designed to help individuals and families with living costs if they are on a low income or not in work. It replaces several previous benefits, including Child Tax Credit, Housing Benefit, Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), and Working Tax Credit.

Universal Credit provides additional support for parents caring for children with significant health needs, such as long-term ventilation, and can also help with housing, childcare, and daily living expenses.

Who Can Claim?

You may qualify for Universal Credit if you meet the following criteria:

• Income: You are on a low income or unemployed.
• Age: You are aged 18 or over (some exceptions apply for 16–17-year-olds).
• Savings: You have £16,000 or less in savings and investments.
• Residency and Immigration: You meet UK residency and immigration status requirements.

Universal Credit can be claimed if you are in full- or part-time work, out of work, or unable to work due to a health condition.

How Much?

Universal Credit is made up of a standard allowance and additional amounts depending on your circumstances:

• Standard Monthly Allowance:
• Single, under 25: £311.68
• Single, 25 or over: £393.45
• Couple, both under 25 (combined): £489.23
• Couple, one or both 25 or over (combined): £617.60
• Additional Elements:
• Child Element:
• £333.33 per month for your first or only child born before 6 April 2017.
• £287.92 per month for each additional child.
• Disabled Child Element:
• £156.11 per month for children receiving DLA or PIP.
• £487.58 per month for children receiving the highest rate of DLA care component, enhanced PIP rate for daily living, or who are registered blind.
• Childcare Costs:
• Up to 85% of childcare costs can be reimbursed:
• £1,014.63 per month for one child.
• £1,739.37 per month for two or more children.
• Childcare must be provided by a registered provider, and costs are paid upfront before reimbursement.
• Disability or Health Condition Support:
• £416.19 per month if you have limited capability for work.
• £156.11 per month if you have limited capability for work and started your health-related Universal Credit or ESA claim before 3 April 2017.
• Carer Element:
• £198.31 per month if you provide at least 35 hours of care per week for someone receiving a health or disability-related benefit.

Additional Information

• If you are claiming Universal Credit and Carer’s Allowance, your Universal Credit payment will be reduced by the amount you receive for Carer’s Allowance. You can instead apply for the Carer Element of Universal Credit.
• You can apply for loans to cover certain housing costs, such as mortgage interest payments.

How to Apply
You can apply for Universal Credit online via the GOV.UK website. Be prepared to provide details about your:

• Income, savings, and regular expenses.
• Childcare costs (if applicable).
• Your child’s care needs, especially if they require long-term ventilation or additional medical support.

Further Information

For more information on benefits, support, and resources, visit the Welfare section of our website. You can contact the Universal Credit Helpline at 0800 328 5644 for assistance.

What is Housing Benefit?

Housing Benefit is a payment to help with rent if you are on a low income. Although new claims are mostly closed, it is still available for people in supported accommodation, temporary accommodation, or those of pension age.

Who Can Claim?

• You live in supported or sheltered accommodation that provides care, support, or supervision.
• You are in temporary accommodation provided by the council (for example, if you are homeless).
• You are pension age and meet the eligibility criteria.

Most new claims are now made through Universal Credit unless you are in one of these specific groups.

How Much?

• Your income and savings.
• The Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rate in your area.

How to Apply

• Online: Visit https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council to find your council and apply.

Additional Information

If you are on Universal Credit, you cannot usually get Housing Benefit — rent help will be in your Universal Credit payment.

What is the Universal Credit Housing Element?

The Universal Credit Housing Element is part of a Universal Credit payment and helps with rent for low-income households, including those with disabled children. It replaces Housing Benefit for most working-age people making new claims.

Who Can Claim?

You may be able to claim if:

• You are responsible for paying rent (private, housing association, or council housing).
• You are on a low income or benefits and meet the Universal Credit eligibility rules, including limits on income and savings.
• You live in accommodation where rent is part of your housing costs.

 If you are living in supported accommodation, you may need to claim Housing Benefit instead.

How Much?

The amount you receive depends on:

• Your rent amount.
• The Local Housing Allowance (LHA) in your area (if renting privately).
• Your income and savings.
• Whether you qualify for additional elements, such as the disabled child addition, which can increase your overall Universal Credit award.

How to Apply

• You can apply for Universal Credit, including the Housing Element, online via the GOV.UK Universal Credit page.
• You will need to provide evidence of your rent, such as a tenancy agreement and recent rent statements.
• For help applying, contact the Universal Credit Helpline: 0800 328 5644.

Additional Information

• You cannot claim Housing Benefit and Universal Credit Housing Element at the same time.
• If you move home or have changes in rent, make sure to update your Universal Credit account to ensure you are getting the correct amount for housing costs.

What is DHP?

Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) is extra financial help from your local council if Housing Benefit or Universal Credit Housing Element does not cover all your rent, or if you need help with other housing-related costs such as a rent deposit.

Who Can Claim?

You can apply for a DHP if you:

• Are already receiving Housing Benefit or Universal Credit Housing Element.
• Are struggling to pay your rent because of a shortfall between rent and benefit.
• Need help with rent arrears, a deposit, or rent in advance to move to a more suitable home.
• Are at risk of eviction or homelessness without temporary extra support.

How Much?

• The amount awarded is decided on a case-by-case basis by your local council, depending on your circumstances.
• DHP is usually a temporary solution to help during difficult periods — not a long-term ongoing payment.

How to Apply

• Apply directly through your local council’s Discretionary Housing Payment scheme.
• You will usually need to provide evidence of rent, income, and reasons for needing the payment.

Additional Information

• DHP is a discretionary fund, which means there is no automatic entitlement — each council will assess your application based on need.
• You may be asked to work with housing or money advice services as part of the support offered.
• DHP cannot be used to cover service charges that are not covered by Housing Benefit or Universal Credit Housing Element, but it can help with rent shortfalls.

What is Council Tax Reduction?

Council Tax Reduction (CTR) helps reduce the amount of council tax you have to pay if you are on a low income or claiming benefits. Each local council runs its own Council Tax Reduction scheme, so the amount of help can vary depending on where you live.

There are also Council Tax discounts and exemptions that may apply where a disabled child is in the home or where a parent is acting as a carer.

Who Can Claim?

You may be eligible for Council Tax Reduction or a discount if you:

• Are on a low income or benefits such as Universal Credit, Income Support, or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
• Are responsible for paying council tax on your home — this applies to both renters and homeowners.
• You have a disabled child living in the property, including a child on Long-Term Ventilation (LTV).
• You are a live-in carer for a disabled child or another adult with care needs.
• Someone in the home has a severe mental impairment, such as a significant learning disability or brain injury, and meets the legal criteria.

Some people in the household may be classed as ‘disregarded persons’ for Council Tax purposes — this means they are not counted when calculating the bill. You must apply for these discounts or reductions.

How Much?

• The amount of reduction depends on your income, savings, and who lives in your home.
• Each local council sets its own rules, sets its own rules, so the level of support may vary depending on where you live.

Examples of reductions that may apply include:

• If your home has been adapted for a disabled child, including a child on Long-Term Ventilation (for example, extra space for ventilation equipment, suction machines, medical storage, hospital beds, or specialist buggies), your bill may be reduced to the next lowest Council Tax band. If your home is already in Band A, you may receive a 17% reduction instead.
• If you are a live-in carer, you may be eligible for a 25% discount.
• If you are the only adult in the home, you may qualify for a 25% discount.
• If all adults in the home are disregarded (for example, due to disability or caring roles), you may receive a 50% discount.
• Low-income families may qualify for up to 100% Council Tax Reduction, meaning no council tax to pay.