Financial support for carers
As a carer, you may be eligible for various benefits and financial support to help you in your caring role.
You can use benefit calculators to work out what benefits you are entitled to claim.
If you are a full-time carer
You could get Carer's Allowance if you care for someone at least 35 hours a week and the person you care for receives certain benefits.
Short breaks for full-time carers
If you’ve taken a carers’ assessment through Kingston Carers’ Network (KCN) or Adult Social Care and they have assessed you’re a full-time carer, you might be able to claim different types of payments to pay for relief care and a discretionary payment so you can take a break from caring. Ask KCN or your social worker about short breaks during your assessment.
If you spend less than 20 hours a week caring for someone
You could get Carer’s Credit if you’re caring for someone for at least 20 hours a week. This is a National Insurance credit that helps fill gaps in your NI record if you're under State Pension age and do not qualify for Carer's Allowance.
If you’re on a low income
You might be eligible for Universal Credit, a payment designed to help with your living costs if you're on a low income or out of work. This can include additional amounts for those with caring responsibilities.
If you’re facing financial difficulties
You could be entitled to financial help with essential expenses like food, fuel, utility bills, and urgent one-time costs for appliances through the Household Support Fund if you are facing financial difficulties.
Learn more about cost of living support at Kingston.
If you are a pensioner
You might be able to get Pension Credit. This is extra money to help with your living costs if you're over State Pension age and on a low income.
Help with claiming benefits
You can contact either Citizens Advice Kingston or the Kingston Carers Network for support and information on carers’ welfare benefits.
Claim a discount on your council tax
If you’re assessed as a carer in Kingston, you might be eligible for a 25% or 50% discount on your council tax.
This discount applies if you provide 35 hours or more of care a week to an adult living with you (who is not your spouse or partner) who receives specific benefits like Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment.
Your income, savings or whether you’re claiming Carer's allowance will not affect your eligibility for the discount.
Learn more about how to apply for the discount.
Other benefits for carers in Kingston
Apply for active Kingston discount card
If you're a carer living in the borough and receive Carer's Allowance, you have the opportunity to apply for the Active Kingston Discount Card.
This card opens the door to discounts on a diverse range of activities at 7 local leisure centres.
It's specially designed to encourage you, as a carer, to participate in leisure and recreational activities, fostering both your physical and mental well-being.
You can apply for the discount card online.
Get a carer’s cinema card
As a carer, you are eligible to apply for the Carer's Cinema Card, provided by the Cinema Exhibitors’ Association (CEA), which allows you to receive a complimentary cinema ticket when accompanying the person you care for.
There is a £6 application fee. It is valid for one year and is accepted at numerous cinemas, including Odeon, Cineworld, Curzon, and Vue.
To apply, you can either complete the process online or reach out to the CEA directly by calling 01244 526 016 or via email.