Paying for your care

If someone needs to look after you because of a disability or ill-health, you may have the right to financial help. The person you know who cares for you could get financial help too.

Find out what benefits and discounts you might qualify for, and how to claim.

Financial help for your care

If you need help with things like washing and dressing, you might qualify for financial help.

If you have reached pension age you might qualify for the Attendance Allowance. If you are below pension age, you might qualify for the Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

To find out more and claim by:

• checking if you qualify for Attendance Allowance
• calling the helpline about Attendance Allowance and get a form sent to you on 0800 731 0122
• reading this helpful Citizens Advice Bureau guide or get the number to call them if you need help filling out the Attendance Allowance form
• reading more about who qualifies for the Personal Independence Payment
• calling to start a Personal Independence Payment claim on 0800 917 2222
• getting Citizens Advice Bureau advice on this page or get the number to call them if you need help filling out the PIP form

Financial help for your carer

If somebody cares for you without being paid for it, they could get a benefit. They can get the Carer's Allowance if:

1. They care for you for 35 hours a week or more

and

2. You get a benefit like the Attendance Allowance or Personal Independence Payment (it must be the ‘daily living' part)

Make sure it will not mean you get less in benefits as a result.

Find out more and claim by:

• seeing who qualifies for Carer's Allowance
• checking whether Carer's Allowance will affect any benefits you get
• applying for the Carer's Allowance online
• calling for a form to claim Carer's Allowance on 0800 731 0297
• reading this helpful guide to claiming Carer's Allowance from Which? or get the number to call your local Citizens Advice Bureau if you need help filling out the form

Top up the money you have coming in

If you have reached pension age or older and do not have much money coming in, you might be able to get Pension Credit.

If you need help paying your rent, you might qualify for Housing benefit. You could get this if you are on Pension Credit. Or, if you are of working age, you might qualify for Universal Credit instead.

Pay less for your bills

If you are on a low income and rely on benefits, you could pay less for some bills and costs. Find out more and claim financial help with:

• paying your rent 
• paying Council Tax bill
• applying for a discount on your Council Tax bill
• your Council Tax bill
• getting help with your winter fuel bill on 0800 731 0160
• checking if you will get extra help in a cold winter
• your water bills if you are a pensioner on a low income
• prescriptions and eye tests
• your TV licence for over 75s 

Get extra help if you do not have enough food

You can get extra help to make sure you eat enough.

Find out how to get help on our guide to getting helping if you do not have enough food.

Receive free advice on benefits

If you are unsure what benefits you can get, get free advice. You can:

• contact the Citizens Advice Bureau in Dorset
• get advice from Age UK North South West Dorset on 01305 269444 or, in Ferndown, call Age UK Bournemouth on 01202 530530
• find out about everything you can claim