Financial Information and Help for Carers

• Home
• Health and Social Care
• Adult Social Care
• Carers Services
• Carers' Help and Information
• Financial Information and Help for Carers

Maximising your income

It is important to make sure you and the person you care for are receiving the benefits and allowances you are entitled to. The benefits system can seem complicated and it is worth seeking advice from specialists who can provide advice and may be able to assist in completing forms with you.

If you, or the person you care for, are over 60 years old, Kingston Information Partnership (our local home visiting section of the Department of Work and Pensions) can help to make sure you are receiving what you are entitled to. For more information or to arrange an appointment contact 0845 60 60 265. The team also provide a service for people under 60 years old referred by social services.

Flexible Breaks Direct Payment for Carers

(money to take a break of your choice)
Carers on a low income and assessed as needing a break but cannot do so through other means, may be entitled to receive a Flexible Breaks payment to spend in a way that suits them best.

Some examples of how carers have chosen to spend their direct payment include taking up a new hobby, going on a course, going swimming, to the theatre, having a meal out, taking a day trip or using it to contribute towards gym or golf club membership.

Carers can apply to receive a Flexible Break Direct Payment through Adult Social Care Services. See main Carers page for details on how to get the support you need.

Active Kingston Card

(formally known as the Leisurecard)
If you live in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames and you receive Carer's Allowance, you can apply for a Leisure Card. The card gives you discounts at all of our Leisure Centres. Download an application form using the link below.

Carers go free to the Cinema

(when accompanying someone who receives Attendance or Disability Living Alowance)
If the person you care for receives Attendance Allowance or Disability Living Allowance, you can go to the cinema with them for free. The card costs £5.50 and is valid for 1 year in many cinemas including the Odeon and the UCI. Visit their website under Related External Links at the bottom of this page for more information.