Bolton Carers Support Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions...

We have compiled a list of frequently asked qusestion and answers. To view a particular answer please select from the menu below:

• How do I arrange a break from caring?
• Is there anyone I can talk to?
• Can I claim Carers Allowance?
• What is a Carers Assessment?
• Where can I get aids and equipment for daily living tasks?
• How do I get practical help with cleaning, gardening and minor home repairs?
• How do I find out about care homes?
• How do I get help in an emergency?
• How does the person I care for apply for a Blue Badge?
• Is there any help with transport?
• How can I get my voice heard and make a difference?
• How do I get a wheelchair for the person I care for?
• Is there any help with Prescription Charges?
• Where can I get advice on employment matters?
• Can I get help with adaptions to my home?

We hope that this information is helpful and we update this page regularly so please check back from time to time. If you need help or advice please feel free to contact us by completing the feedback form here.

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"Can I claim Carers Allowance?"

Finances

We know that finances can be a big issue for carers - this may be because you have had to give up work in order to care for someone, or have reduced your hours of working, or it can be that you are no longer of working age and are having to find the money to pay for 'hidden costs of caring'. These hidden costs can include:

• higher heating bills
• laundry costs or buying continence materials
• buying special aids, equipment to make life easier
• special dietary requirements and so on

Whatever your circumstances it is important to be aware of local contacts who can offer benefits advice.

• CAB Home Visiting Service - this is a useful service as trained advisers will visit you in your own home to do a benefits check and to help you apply for
any benefits you may be entitled to. Contact the Home Visiting service on 01204 900213.
• Welfare Rights Service - a helpful, impartial and confidential advice line open weekdays from 10.00 am to 12 noon. 01204 380460

Carers Allowance

Carers Allowance (CA) is the only benefit aimed specifically at carers and it is intended to replace the wages you might otherwise earn from a job if you were not caring. It is a weekly taxable benefit but does not depend on your record of paying national insurance contributions. You can get CA if you are of working age and:

• The person you care for gets the Higher or Middle rate Care Component of Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance
• You care for the person at least 35 hours a week (although you don't have to be living in the same house with the person you care for)
• You are aged 16 or over; you live in the UK and you are not in full-time education
• You do not earn more than £84 per week from paid work

Carers Allowance overlaps with some benefits, for example retirement pension, and you can't be paid both benefits - you'll be paid the highest. If you can't be paid CA due to the overlapping benefits rule, you will have an underlying entitlement to it which can help with other benefits.

Disability Living Allowance

Disability Living Allowance is for people under the age of 65. It is tax free, non means tested and non contributory and has two components - care and mobility.

• You may qualify for care component if you need help with personal care, or supervision to remain safe, or you are unable to prepare a cooked main meal because of illness or disability.
• You may qualify for mobility if you have physical problems walking or need guidance or supervision because of illness or disability.
• You have to show that you've needed help for at least 3 months and likely to need help for the next 6 months.
• Personal care needs include such things as bathing, dressing, cooking a meal, eating, moving around, taking medication, etc - doesn't usually include such things as shopping, cleaning, gardening etc.

Attendance Allowance

Attendance Allowance is for people aged 65 and over. It is tax free, non means tested and non contributory.

• You may qualify if you need help with personal care or supervision to remain safe because of illness or disability.
• You have to show that you've needed help for at least 6 months to qualify.
• Two rates of benefit: Lower Rate (£41.65) - if you need help with personal care throughout the day or night; or you need to be watched over to avoid danger day or night. Higher Rate (£62.25) - if you need help with personal care or need to be watched over to avoid danger day and night; or you are terminally ill.
• Personal care needs include such things as bathing, dressing, eating, moving around,, taking medication, etc - doesn't usually include such things as shopping, cleaning, gardening, etc.

To order benefits claim packs please contact 0800 88 22 00

Funder-Finder Service

Bolton Carers Support has a computer-based directory of trusts and foundations which may provide grants for individuals. This can be useful if you are looking for financial help to pay towards the costs of equipment or adaptations. Any carer who lives in Bolton (or who cares for someone living in Bolton) can make an appointment - Funder-finder sessions usually last between an hour and one and a half hours. Please contact us if you would like to make an appointment.

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