Many people caring for others don't get the support they need because they don't recognise how important their role is. If you regularly provide or intend to provide care for someone, you need to find out what help you can get.
If you provide a substantial amount of care for a relative, friend or neighbour you can ask for a carer's assessment. This applies even if the person you care for has not had an assessment and does not want one. To request an assessment, telephone:
Thurrock Council has a joint working partnership with the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) to determine what service users can afford to pay towards their care needs. They work together to ensure that:
For further information on welfare benefits contact:
Local Service Delivery Manager for South Essex
The Pension Service
Tel: 01268 633336
If you are looking after someone 35 hours a week or more you may be entitled to the Carers Allowance, income support/pension credit or help with your council tax. For more information, visit: DirectGov - Carer's Allowance
The person you are caring for may be entitled to the following:
You cannot get Carers Allowance if you are:
If you are not sure whether you can claim any of these benefits, contact:
Carers aged 16 and over can apply for a Direct Payment.
If you will be caring for someone when they leave hospital, then you can ask for an assessment of your own situation before the person leaves hospital.
If the person has been assessed in the last 12 months, you can ask for a reassessment to find out if the care package still meets their needs.
For full information, visit: DirectGov - The Mental Health Act. Under the Mental Health Act, if you are the nearest relative you have the right to:
For more information, contact:
You may get a council tax reduction if the person you care for has a severe mental impairment or physical disability. For further information, see Council Tax exemptions
