CARER'S BENEFITS
CARER'S BENEFITS
Carer’s benefits are for the carer in recognition of their caring role and the impact this has on their lives. The person who is being cared for may be entitled to disability benefits.
Carers have certain rights, including employment rights, having an assessment and receiving direct payments.
To request a carer’s assessment, you can contact the Carer Coordinator in your local Health and Social Care trust.
Carer’s Allowance may be payable to anyone aged 16 or over that spends at least 35 hours a week caring for someone who is in receipt of certain disability benefits. Additional criteria apply in respect of income and residency.
More information about Carer’s Allowance, information about how to apply and contact information for the Disability and Carer’s Service can be found at nidirect:
Class 3 National Insurance credits can be awarded for carers to protect entitlement to State Pension and bereavement benefits. You must be caring for at least one person certified as disabled for a minimum of 20 hours per week.
More information about Carer’s Credit, and an application form, can be accessed at nidirect:
Direct payments can be made by Health and Social Care Trusts to anyone assessed as needing help from social services. Carers can use direct payments to buy services the Trust agrees are needed to support them in their caring role.
More information about direct payments for carers can be accessed at nidirect: