Finances, Benefits and Travel
Managing finances is often a great concern for carers. Sometimes, they have to take responsibility for the household finances for the first time, as it was something that their partner/spouse previously managed.
Through caring full time you will be eligible for a number of benefits. However, filling in lengthy forms can be an onerous task. Carer’s mention that finding an individual who will support them makes a big difference to their caring role. Asking a friend or family member to fill in the forms for you will take some of the pressure off you. The Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) will also help you fill in benefit forms. You can look in your phone directory for contact details for your local CAB office. Alternatively, click on this link www.adviceguide.org.uk
Claiming Benefits
Some benefits are not means tested, and as a carer you will automatically be entitled to receive them. As a full time carer, you should be entitled to receive Carer’s Allowance. Furthermore, the person you are caring for will be eligible for either Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance. There are a number of other benefits that you and your dependent may be entitled to.
Social services at your specialist hospital should be able to offer you some advice on what benefits you are entitled to. Also, try and recruit someone to look into the benefits situation on your behalf. Many friends and family members will want to help and support you. Alternatively, contact the Citizens Advice Bureau for support.
Carer’s Allowance
You can claim Carer’s Allowance if you are aged 16 and over and spend at least 35 hours per week caring for a person receiving Attendance Allowance or Disability Living Allowance or Constant Attendance Allowance. The weekly rate is £48.65. This is reduced by the amount of certain other benefits, including State Pension that you receive. You can ask for a claim form over the telephone, by contacting the Carer’s Allowance Unit or your local benefits office or downloading the form from this website: www.direct.gov.uk). Telephone: 01253 856 123.
Carer’s Assessment
You may be entitled to other direct payments from social services to support you in your caring role. To gain this you will need to have a carer’s assessment.
A carer’s assessment means social services will look at your situation and see if you are entitled to any services that could make caring easier for you. There is no definition of ‘regular and substantial care’; it’s decided by social services. This is your opportunity to help the social worker understand the impact caring has on you, and talk about the services they may be able to provide to help you. So it may be a good idea to make a list, or keep a diary, of everything you do to help look after the person you care for.
Remember that this assessment is about your needs as a carer. Your right to an assessment, and the services and support you may receive, it’s not linked to your income, savings or property. However, after an assessment your local council will look at these to decide what care services you may be charged for. Contact your local social services department to request a carer’s assessment: www.direct.gov.uk)
You can also contact the Department of Works and Pensions on their Benefit Enquiry Line – 0800882200 or look at their website which will explain in detail the current benefits which may be available to you: www.dwp.gov.uk.
Support from utilities companies
Some utilities companies will provide you with discounted rates if you are a full time carer and receiving certain benefits. Contact your electricity and gas supplier to see if they offer this service. You can also call the Home Heat Helpline on freephone 0800336699 for advice. You will need to have your utility bills to hand when calling.
Travel Insurance Companies
Travel Insurance may be difficult when you have a brain tumour, but there are now a number of companies who may provide insurance for people with brain tumours. The following links will take you to sites, which will furnish you with more information. The Carers and Brain Tumours website does not endorse any specific insurance company but the following links may just make it easier to find a company willing to consider cover for you on your holiday –
Cancerbackup (resources and support- practical issues)
Hammerout
Meningioma UK
Brain Tumour Trust
The following link is useful because it suggests questions that you may want to ask the insurer, as well as information about considerations before travelling:
Andreas Gift
General Travel Advice
You may be eligible to apply for several concessions as a result of your condition and a good place to start is www.direct.gov.uk which gives detailed information on the Blue Badge Scheme, rail and coach travel concessions.