Declaring Changes in Circumstances for Home Care
When you arrange for home care, it’s important to let your local council know about any changes to your situation, especially if you’re receiving benefits or funding. This is so they can reassess your eligibility for benefits, and if necessary, adjust your entitlements.
You may still be able to receive, or even apply for, various benefits once you start receiving home care, whether it’s state-funded or privately paid. Since everyone’s circumstances, finances, and eligibility for benefits are different, it’s a good idea to have a conversation with your local council to understand what benefits might be available to you.
Here are some benefits you may continue to receive if you’re receiving care:
Attendance Allowance 2024/25
Attendance Allowance is designed to help with the extra costs of living for people who have a disability that requires care. It’s tax-free and doesn’t consider your income or savings. If you’re paying for your own home care, you might choose to use this money to help with those costs, but that’s entirely up to you.
To qualify for Attendance Allowance, you need to:
- Be of State Pension age or older.
- Have a disability (whether physical, learning, or a long-term mental health condition) that requires assistance with day-to-day tasks.
- Have needed care for at least six months, or be terminally ill.
You can receive either £72.65 or £108.55 a week, depending on the level of care you need. You’ll need to provide medical evidence of your disability, such as a doctor’s letter.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) 2024/25
If you need long-term home care due to illness or disability, you might be eligible for Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The amount you receive depends on the severity of your condition and the level of care you require. Your income and savings don’t affect your eligibility.
To qualify for PIP, you need to:
- Be over 16 but under State Pension age.
- Have lived in England, Scotland, or Wales for at least two of the last three years.
PIP is paid in two parts: one for daily living and one for mobility. You could receive up to £108.55 a week for daily living and up to £75.75 a week for mobility, depending on your individual circumstances.
Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit 2024/25
If your illness or disability is caused by an accident or disease at work, such as asbestos-related conditions or arthritis caused by your job, you might be eligible for the Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit.
The amount you receive depends on the extent of your disability, with weekly payments ranging from £44.30 to £221.50 based on the level of disability.
Even if your disability doesn’t require care, you could also apply for Constant Attendance Allowance if you do need care.
Constant Attendance Allowance 2024/25
If you’re receiving the Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit or a War Disablement Pension and require care because of your disability, you may be eligible for Constant Attendance Allowance. The amount you could receive depends on how much care you need, with four payment options:
- Part day rate: £44.35 per week
- Full day rate: £88.70 per week
- Intermediate rate: £133.05 per week
- Exceptional rate: £177.40 per week
If you need lifelong care, you might also qualify for Exceptionally Severe Disablement Allowance, which adds an extra £88.70 per week.
Pension Credit 2024/25
Pension Credit is available to people who have reached State Pension age. There are two parts to this benefit: Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit.
- Guarantee Credit: This tops up your income if you’re below £218.15 a week (single) or £332.95 a week (couple).
- Savings Credit: If you have some savings and you reached State Pension age before April 2016, you could receive up to £17.01 per week (single) or £19.04 per week (couple).
Pension Credit is means-tested and will consider your income and savings when determining your eligibility.
Disability Premiums 2024/25
If you’re receiving any of the benefits above, you may also qualify for a Disability Premium, which provides extra support on top of your other benefits. This is available at:
- £42.50 per week for a single person
- £60.60 per week for a couple
You must be under State Pension age and either be registered blind or receiving one or more of the following benefits:
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Attendance Allowance
- Constant Attendance Allowance
- Incapacity Benefit
- Severe Disablement Allowance
- Income Support
- Housing Benefit
- Income-based Job Seeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment Support Allowance (Severe or Enhanced Disability Premiums)
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- War Pensioners Mobility Supplement
- Working Tax Credit (with disability element)
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) 2024/25
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) is for individuals whose illness or disability affects their ability to work.
To qualify for ESA, you must:
- Have limited ability to work due to your condition.
- Be under State Pension age.
- Have made enough National Insurance contributions.
- Not be receiving Statutory Sick Pay, Job Seeker’s Allowance, Income Support, or Universal Credit.
If you qualify, you could receive up to £138.20 a week through ESA.
If you think you might be eligible for any of these benefits, it’s always best to speak with your local council or care provider to explore your options. We’re here to support you in any way we can, so don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions.