WELFARE BENEFITS

We offer a comprehensive welfare benefits advice service with:

• Full benefit checks
• Help with filling out forms and letter writing
• Advice on appeals
• Submissions to tribunals

As a carer there maybe a number of benefits that you and your cared for may be entitled to.

If you require information or advice on any benefit issue, contact us, and our advisor can visit you or you can make an appointment at our offices at 15 Althorne Way, Dagenham, or at 129 Rose Lane, Mark's Gate.

INFORMATION ON THE MAIN BENEFITS

ATTENDANCE ALLOWANCE (AA)
This is for people aged 65 or over who need a lot of personal care or supervision.

Attendance Allowance is paid at two rates depending upon a person’s care needs.
• Lower Rate: can be paid if help is needed with things like dressing, washing, using the toilet, moving around the home or supervision to ensure someone’s safety during the day or night.
• Higher Rate: can be paid if help is need during the day and night.


DISABILITY LIVING ALLOWANCE (DLA)
This is a benefit for people under 65 years of age who need supervision, help with personal care, have difficulty getting around, or have a terminal illness.

DLA is made up of two components with varying rates of pay.

The Care Component is paid if help is needed with things like getting dressed, washing, using the toilet, cooking, eating, moving around the home and so on.

The Mobility Component is paid if a person cannot walk, has great difficulty walking, or is severely mentally impaired with extreme behavioural problems.

Rates depend upon a person’s care and mobility problems. You can only get one rate of each component, but you can be paid both the care and mobility components together or separately.


EMPLOYMENT & SUPPORT ALLOWANCE (ESA)
This is paid to people who are assessed as having a limited capability to work. It replaced Incapacity Benefit and Income Support on disability grounds in October 2008 for most new claimants.


CARER’S ALLOWANCE
This benefit is for people aged 16 or over who spend at least 35 hours a week caring for somebody who is in receipt of the middle or highest rate of Disability Living Allowance care component or Attendance Allowance. You must not earn more than £100 a week after allowable expenses have been deducted, or be in full time education.

The payment of Carer’s Allowance can affect other benefits so before you claim, get advice.
 
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