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Carer's Allowance

Carer's Allowance is paid to people who look after someone who is disabled. You do not have to be related to, or live with the person you care for and you may qualify if

• you are aged 16 or over
• you spend at least 35 hours looking after someone who gets Attendance Allowance or the middle or higher rate of Disability Living Allowance

For more information see the Carer's Allowance Unit on the Direct Gov web site.

Carers Credit

This is a National Insurance credit which helps carers build up qualifying years for the basic State Pension and additional State Pension. To qualify for Carer's Credit you must care for one or more disabled people for a total of 20 hours or more per week.

Each person you care for must receive

• DLA care component at the middle or highest rate
• Attendance allowance at any rate
• Constant Attendance allowance at any rate

For more information see the Carers Credit web pages on the Direct Gov web site

Carer’s Direct Payments

Direct payments for carers are a cash payment given directly to the carer by Adult Services. This will enable you, as the carer, to buy in services that have been identified as being needed through your carer’s assessment and should give you more choice, control and flexibility over your life.

A carer’s direct payment is not for services for the person you are caring for but for your own  social, educational, training, recreational needs or wellbeing.