Carers

Making adjustments to your home or daily routine can make caring easier and improve the quality of life for both you and the person you care for. You may have the right to disability adjustments, such as adaptations to your home or access to equipment and services that support independent living. SPIN has information about what the council can do to help with this and also other organisations that require an application to be completed on your behalf by SPIN.

FREE LEGAL CLINIC monthly by telephone at the Carers Centre thanks to Martin Searle Solicitors and Renaissance Legal Solicitors donating their time and expertise.  Between them they are able to provide assistance and advice on a range of issues pertaining to caring, for example: Power of Attorney, Court of Protection, Mental Capacity, Accommodation and Wills. If you would like to take advantage of this telephone service free of charge, don’t hesitate to call or email us to book an appointment on 01273 746222 or info@thecarerscentre.org.

A benefit provided by the UK government to support people who look after someone with a disability or long-term illness. It is specifically aimed at unpaid carers – those who dedicate their time to helping a friend or family member, but do not receive payment for their care work. If you spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone who receives a qualifying disability benefit, you may be eligible for Carer’s Allowance.  To claim Carer’s Allowance in the UK, you must meet several key eligibility criteria. Understanding these requirements can help you determine whether you can apply and what steps to take next.

Some people are not eligible for Carer’s Allowance, even if they care for someone who receives a qualifying disability benefit. You cannot claim if you are in full-time education (generally defined as 21 hours or more of supervised study per week). Similarly, if you earn more than a certain amount per week (after tax, National Insurance, and certain expenses), you may not qualify. Carer’s Allowance is also not available to people who are already receiving certain other benefits at the same or higher rate, though you may still be entitled to a “_carer premium_” or additional support.

If you receive Universal Credit, claiming Carer’s Allowance can affect the amount you get. Instead of reducing your Universal Credit by the full amount of Carer’s Allowance, you may receive a ‘carer element’ as part of your Universal Credit payment. This can sometimes mean you are better off overall, but it depends on your personal circumstances, including your income and other benefits. Always check how the carer element works within Universal Credit to make sure you’re getting the right support.

If you care for someone, you can have an assessment to see what might help make your life easier. A carer's assessment is free and anyone over 18 can ask for one.It's separate from the needs assessment the person you care for might have, but you can ask to have them both done at the same time.  It might recommend things like:

1. someone to take over caring so you can take a break (Carers' breaks and respite care)
2. gym membership and exercise classes to relieve stress
3. help with taxi fares if you don't drive
4. help with gardening and housework
5. training how to lift safely
6. putting you in touch with local support groups so you have people to talk to
7. advice about benefits for carers

https://amazesussex.org.uk/register-as-a-parent-carer/

The Carers Centre in Brighton can provide a carers assessment if you are caring for an adult and will then liaise with Brighton & Hove city council adult social services. They will ask how you're coping with caring. This includes how it affects your physical and mental health, work, free time and relationships.  The assessment can be over the phone or face to face and last at least an hour or longer. Having a Carers Assessment can enable you to access the ‘Carers Card’ – A discount scheme for unpaid carers in Brighton and Hove – and can help to establish other support needs. https://carershub.co.uk/services/services-for-adult-carers/self-referral/