Financial support, grants, and debt advice for unpaid carers. You provide invaluable care - help is available when you need it.
Under FCA regulations, carers are classed as vulnerable customers. This means creditors MUST treat you with appropriate forbearance when you tell them you're a carer.
Always disclose your caring responsibilities in writing to creditors, debt collectors, and bailiffs. This triggers protections including payment reductions, interest freezes, and adjusted communication methods.
£81.90 per week
Eligibility:
Care for someone 35+ hours/week, earn under £151/week after deductions
How to Apply:
Apply online at gov.uk or call 0800 731 0297
Additional element added to UC
Eligibility:
Already receiving UC and caring for someone on disability benefits
How to Apply:
Report caring responsibilities to your Work Coach
Up to 100% discount
Eligibility:
Low income carer or live with person you care for
How to Apply:
Apply through your local council
£45.60 per week added to legacy benefits
Eligibility:
Receiving Carer's Allowance or entitled to it
How to Apply:
Automatically added if you receive qualifying benefits
Every carer has the legal right to a Carer's Assessment from their local council. This assessment can lead to practical and financial support including respite care, equipment, and direct payments. Contact your council's Adult Social Care department to request an assessment - it's free and doesn't depend on the person you care for having an assessment.
Emergency grants
Typical amount: £200-£500
Emergencies, essential items, respite breaks
carers.org
Grant search database
Typical amount: Varies by grant
Search 1,500+ charitable grants for carers
turn2us.org.uk
Council emergency funds
Typical amount: £100-£1,000
Crisis situations, essential costs
Contact your local council
Energy debt support
Typical amount: £50-£500
Energy debt, fuel poverty
Contact your energy supplier
Carers are classed as vulnerable customers under FCA rules. Tell all creditors about your caring responsibilities in writing.
✓ Creditors must show forbearance: freeze interest, reduce payments, stop pressure
Apply for 60 days legal protection from creditor contact and enforcement while you get debt advice.
✓ Gives you breathing room to arrange finances and seek grants
Even if you don't qualify due to income, applying proves you're a carer to creditors and grant organizations.
✓ Proves carer status, may protect some income from attachment
Contact free debt advice charities or Citizens Advice - they have advisors trained in supporting carers.
✓ They can help you access carer-specific grants and protections
Carers in the UK can access Carer's Allowance (£81.90/week if you care 35+ hours weekly), Carer's Credit for State Pension protection, and Council Tax Reduction. Additional support includes Universal Credit carer element, Pension Credit, and one-off grants from charities like Carers Trust and Turn2Us.
Carers grants are discretionary one-off payments from charities like Carers Trust (£200-£300), Turn2Us, and local carer centers for emergencies or respite. You must apply with proof of carer status, evidence of financial hardship, and a specific need like replacing essential appliances or paying priority debts.
Register as a carer through your local council and apply for Carer's Allowance to prove status. Use Turn2Us grants search, contact Carers Trust, or check with your local authority for Local Welfare Assistance. Gather proof of carer status, income, and the specific emergency, then apply promptly with all supporting documents.
You must provide substantial care (20+ hours weekly), experience financial hardship, and be registered as a carer through Carer's Allowance or assessment. The grant must address a specific need like emergency repairs, priority debts, or respite costs, and you typically need UK residency.
Caring is one of the most important roles in society, but it shouldn't leave you struggling financially. Free, specialist debt advice and grant support is available for carers.
Debt help if you are receiving Carers Allowance or other benefits.
Debt solutions designed for people on low incomes like carers.
Get 60 days protection from creditors while arranging your finances.
Write off debts under £30,000 if you have low income as a carer.
Make small affordable payments while you are caring full-time.
Access free, compassionate debt advice that understands your caring role.