As a carer you may be able to claim several benefits, and receiving one can mean you qualify for others.
Carers' allowance
This benefit for carers is only available under certain circumstances. You must spend at least 35 hours a week caring for a person who receives either Attendance Allowance or Disability Allowance at middle rate or highest rate. If you are working or receiving certain other benefits you may not be able to have both. For detailed rules and an online claim form please visit the DirectGov website.
Other benefits
Carers could also be entitled to other benefits from the government too, such as
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Council tax help
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Incapacity Benefit
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Income Support or Pension Credit
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Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
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Disability Living Allowance
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Jobseeker's Allowance
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Attendance Allowance
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Working Tax Credit
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Child Tax Credit
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Help with health costs
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Social Fund
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Housing Benefit
Help with claiming
If you are not sure what benefits you are entitled to, find the system complicated or need help then please contact
Carers Leeds tel 0113 2468338
Citizens Advice Bureau tel 0844 477 4788 and local offices
Leeds City Council Welfare Benefits Service tel 0113 3760452