A common misconception is that you cannot claim benefits while receiving care at home or financial support through a local council. This is not true, as there are several valuable benefits specifically designed for individuals who suffer from illness or disability that require home care.
Our guide outlines the benefits you are entitled to while receiving home care services.
Inform Your Local Council of Your Home Care
It is important to keep your local council informed on the happenings in your life, such as arranging for home care. When your circumstances change, you may be entitled to new benefits or no longer qualify for your former claims.
Your local council can help you explore your options and remain up to date.
Attendance Allowance Benefit
Attendance Allowance is financial assistance with additional expenditure for individuals requiring care due to disability. It is tax-free and may enable you to be eligible for other benefits. Attendance Allowance isn’t required to be used towards home care.
- £61.85 weekly for individuals requiring frequent or constant care during the day or night.
- £92.40 weekly for individuals requiring 24-hour care or who are terminally ill.
Attendance Allowance Benefit Eligibility Requirements
- You are 65 years of age or older.
- You have a physical, mental, or learning disability.
- You are recognized as requiring care or supervision due to your disability.
- You have required care for at least six months, or you are terminally ill.
- You have medical evidence of your disability.
Personal Independence Payment Benefit (PIP)
PIP is tax-free and does not require a means test. An independent health professional determines the amount. The amount is subject to review, ensuring you receive appropriate support.
The PIP addresses daily living and mobility; you can receive both depending on the severity of your condition.
- The daily living rate is £61.85 or £92.40
- The mobility rate is £24.25 or £64.50
PIP Benefit Eligibility Requirements
- You are between 16-64 years old.
- You require long-term home care due to disability or illness.
- You have had difficulty with everyday tasks or mobility challenges for over three months and anticipate nine more months of hardship.
- You have resided in England, Scotland, or Wales for two of the last three years.
Additional PIP Benefit Information
If you receive Constant Attendance Allowance, your daily living rate will be reduced. If you are terminally ill, your daily living payment will be increased.
Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit is for individuals suffering from illness or disability due to their work. The amount of money you will receive if you are eligible to claim depends on the severity of your disability or condition. You will be formally assessed and assigned a disability percentage level.
- £37.72 weekly if you are 20% disabled, up to £188.60 if you are 100% disabled.
Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit Eligibility Requirements
- You have an illness or disability caused by a disease or accident in a workplace or training environment, such as asbestos poisoning or loss of a limb.
- The disability or illness took place in England, Scotland, or Wales.
- You are not self-employed.
- You are at least 14% disabled.
Additional Industrial Injuries Disablement Information
You may claim the Industrial Injuries Disablement benefit even if your disability does not require care. If your disability does require you to need specialised care, you may also apply for the Constant Attendance Allowance benefit.
Constant Attendance Allowance Benefit
If you are disabled and meet the requirements of the Constant Attendance Allowance benefit, you may be eligible to receive one of the four amounts payable. Your weekly amount is determined by the extent of your disability and care requirements.
- Part-Day Rate: £37.75
- Day Rate: £75.50
- Intermediate Rate: £113.25
- Exceptional Rate: £151
Constant Attendance Allowance Benefit Eligibility Requirements
- Already claim the Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit.
- Already claim War Disablement Pension.
- You are 100% disabled.
- You require daily assistance.
If it is determined that you require constant ongoing care, you may be eligible for an additional £75.50 per week through the Exceptionally Severe Disablement Allowance.
Pension Credit
There are two sections of pension credit, and it is means-tested.
The Guarantee Credit component ensures that individuals with an income below £182.60 weekly, or £278.70 for a couple, will receive enough to reach those figures.
The Savings Credit allows £14.47 weekly, or £16.20 for a couple.
Pension Credit Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Guarantee Credit:
- You are over state pension age.
- You reside in England, Scotland, or Wales.
To qualify for the Savings Credit:
- You reached state pension age prior to the 6th of April 2016.
Additional Pension Credit Amount Qualifications
You may qualify for an additional £69.40 weekly if you are severely disabled and claim:
- Attendance Allowance.
- Middle or Highest rate of the care component of Disability Living Allowance.
- Personal Independence Payment daily living component.
- Armed Forces Independence Payment.
- Adult Disability Payment daily living component.
Disability Premiums
Disability premiums are provided to individuals alongside benefits when they are considered in need of further assistance.
The amount for disability premiums is currently £36.20 per week, or £51.60 per week for a couple.
If you are registered blind, you do not have to receive other benefits to receive the Disability Premium.
Disability Premium Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the disability premium, you must currently receive:
- Personal Independence Payment
- Disability Living Allowance
- Attendance Allowance
- Constant Attendance Allowance
- Incapacity Benefit
- Severe Disablement Allowance
- Income Support
- Housing Benefit
- Income-based Job Seeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment Support Allowance
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- War Pensioners Mobility Supplement
- Disability Working Tax Credit
Additional Disability Premium Information
Certain individuals may be able to receive the enhanced disability premium at £17.75 per week or £25.35 for a couple if at least one person is eligible, or the Severe Disability Premium at £69.40 per week or £138.80 for a couple with two qualified individuals, as it is required to receive this premium.
Employment and Support Allowance Benefit (ESA)
ESA is offered to individuals who have an illness or disability that prevents them from working full-time or denies them the ability to work at all.
This payment has a maximum of £117.60 per week.
Employment & Support Allowance Benefit Eligibility Requirement
- According to a medical professional, you are limited to working or unable to work.
- You are under the state pension age.
- You have contributed the required amount of National Insurance.
- You do not receive Statutory Sick Pay, Job Seeker’s Allowance, Income Support or Universal Credit.
- You are neither employed nor self-employed.
Housing Benefit
You may apply for Housing Benefit through your local council to aid with housing payments.
You will need to supply the following:
- Proof of rent cost.
- Evidence of bills such as water, electric, or gas included in your rent payment.
- Services charges you may pay, such as maintenance or insurance.
- Details of your landlord or agent.
Housing Benefit Eligibility Requirements
The Housing Benefit is available to individuals who:
- Have a low income.
- Have savings of less than £16,000
- Have been deemed in need of home care services.
- You can provide your local council with the required housing information.
Winter Fuel Payments
The winter fuel payment provides qualified individuals with £100 to £300 annually to aid in reducing the cost of heating bills.
The Winter Fuel Payment is reserved for residents of the UK who were born on or before the 26th of September 1955.
Shine Care At Home Is Here to Help
Navigating your benefit options and requirements can be overwhelming. With so much detail, it may be challenging to determine which benefits apply to your unique case, but we are here to help. Contact us today to learn more about the benefits you are entitled to when receiving home care.