Financial Wellbeing

Caring for someone can have an impact on your finances, this can be due to a number of reasons, such as, reduced hours at work or not being able to work at all due to your caring role. You may also have added expenses with utility bills or paying for care. Having access to the correct information at the right time is vital, to give you the opportunity to receive all the financial help you are entitled to.

As a carer you are potentially entitled to a list of benefits; however, the benefits system is complicated. It is a good idea to get a benefit check to make sure you and the person you are looking after are claiming all the benefits you are entitled to. The benefits system is subject to change, please check out out useful links below. If you are unable to use website links or would like more help understanding these benefits, please contact us and we will be happy to get the information for you.

 

  • Carers allowance
  • Carers Credit
  • Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
  • Disability living allowance
  • Attendance allowance
  • Universal Credit
  • Money information and advice

For a detailed description of these benefits, check out our Finances and Benefits guide.

 

Another option available to carers is the Turn2us benefit calculator available on our website. This calculator will help you work out which benefits you are entitled to. Our carer contact team can provide support to use the benefit calculator if needed.

 

Where to get help in Sunderland

You can get free information, advice and guidance on welfare benefits, debt, employment, and housing matters.

There is also information/advice available about where to get:

  • Support for food if you are in financial crisis (this will mainly be via foodbanks but also via the Local Welfare Provision Scheme for specific vulnerable groups)
  • Help with utility bills, or if you have a shortfall in your rent
  • How to apply for a range of support including free school meals, Healthy Start vouchers and general help around money

Have a look at our downloads section below to see what help is available, and who to contact, in your area.