Help with money
Whilst the staff at the Carers Centre are not able to support with specific money or benefit enquiries, we have put together some useful information to help point you in direction of what is available and who to contact.
Benefits
There are a number of benefits that may help you and the person you care for:
- Carer's Allowance
- Carer's Credit
- Attendance allowance
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Pension Credit
Money helper is a useful website for finding out what benefits you or the person you care for may qualify for and how to claim them.
There are also some useful online resources and benefit calculators which are useful to help you work out what benefits you could get and explain how to claim them:
- entitledto - for information on income-related benefits, tax credits, contribution-based benefits, Council Tax Reduction, Carer's Allowance, Universal Credit and how your benefits will be affected if you start work
- Turn2us - for information on income-related benefits, Universal Credit and tax credits
- Your Upfront Guide to Caring - Carers UK have produced a simple tool for carers who are new to the maze of benefits and entitlements to help them
Cost of Living Help
BCP Council have information about Cost of Living Help. This includes information about
- The Household Support Fund - a scheme to help vulnerable families and individuals across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole with access to food and support in paying energy bills.
- Access to Food - bringing together local services to make sure everyone has access to food.
Help with your energy bills
You might be able to take advantage of certain benefits, grants and help offered by the government and energy suppliers.
- Citizens Advice have some useful information about the grants and benefits available to help you afford your energy bill.
- Help from your energy supplier - Find out more about the types of support available
- Local Energy Advice Partnership (LEAP) -available to give you personal advice and free gadgets to help cut energy bills.
Council Tax exemption
As a family/unpaid carer, you may be disregarded for Council Tax. Find out more about the carers and care workers Council Tax exemption.
Stay well financially this winter
Find help and support for older people, retirees, and anyone struggling with money in winter on NHS Stay Well Dorset. The page has important information about housing, food programs, saving energy, and managing money.
Stay ahead of scams
The Stop! Think Fraud website gives you call of the knowledge and tools you need to stay ahead of scams.