Money Talks A guide for Carers living in Northumberland

Transcription

1 1 Money Talks A guide for Carers living in Northumberland

2 With a grant from the Santander Foundation, Carers Northumberland organised several events across the county where carers could seek face-to-face support from financial advice organisations such as Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB), DAWN, the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) & legal advice from local charity Legacare. This brochure has been produced in partnership with these organisations to provide Northumberland specific information and highlight some of the issues raised by carers at the events. If you have any questions about the guide or your caring role please contact the Carers Northumberland Information Line on Carers Northumberland Carers Northumberland is a charity dedicated to improving the lives of carers by responding to the needs of carers. We provide information on rights and entitlements, offer support to carers and help for the person they care for. We aim to reduce the social isolation that so many carers feel and empower carers to have a voice. The Information Line offers a single point of contact for any enquiry linked to your caring responsibilities. We work closely with specialist agencies across Northumberland and beyond, to ensure we can find the most appropriate information and advice for your situation. The information line is open from 10-2pm Monday until Friday. Telephone number Visit our website for information on the Carers Northumberland services.

3 3 DAWN Advice DAWN Advice is an independent charity offering confidential, independent and impartial advice on a range of issues, including debt, fuel debt, energy advice and family law. DAWN Advice is also a member of the Citizens Advice service. Contact DAWN on Mon - Fri 8.30am- 5pm (reg. no ) Have a FREE Benefits Check You could be missing out on financial help available to you through welfare benefits. Turn2us is a free service that helps people in financial need to access welfare benefits, charitable grants and other financial help, they have a free online calculator that you can use to check your entitlement to a range of benefits and tax credits. You can access the calculator or contact Carers Northumberland on and you can either make an appointment to see us or we can complete the benefits check over the telephone. Turn2us are part of Elizabeth Finn Care a charity registered in England and Wales: and Scotland: SC

4 4 Carers Allowance This allowance is for people who regularly spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone with a disability who receives a Disability Living Allowance (Middle or Higher Rate for Personal Care), Attendance Allowance or Constant Attendance Allowance (paid as an addition to a War Disablement Pension or industrial disablement benefit). Carers must not be in full time education or earning above a certain amount. Dependents additions may be payable. It is taxable. Who qualifies for a Carer's Allowance? You must be 16 years old or over If you work you must not earn more than 102 a week net pay, although this figure is revised every April, so be sure to check on You must be living in the UK when you claim Carer's Allowance You must not be a fulltime student. This is defined as supervised studying for 21 or more hours per week You must look after The person you look after must receive a someone for at least 35 hours a week qualifying disability benefit How much is Carer's Allowance? Carer's Allowance is paid at a standard rate, currently set at a week (as of May 2014).

5 5 Carers Allowance If you made your claim before 6 April 2010, you may also be able to get extra benefit for your partner or someone who looks after your children. This includes partners who are living together as well as those who are married or in a civil partnership. This includes same sex partners. You can only get the extra benefit if the person you are claiming for has earnings below a certain amount and does not get certain benefits in their own right which are worth more than the extra Carer's Allowance. If you made your claim after 6 April 2010, you can no longer get the extra benefit. Other Important Information Make sure to check with the person you are caring for before you make a claim for Carer's Allowance since they may lose some of the benefit they receive, such as a severe disability addition, as a result of the Carer's Allowance claim. This is only if the disabled person lives on their own and does not include underlying entitlement awards of Carer's Allowance. Underlying Entitlement: You cannot receive Carer's Allowance and a State Retirement Pension. If however you are a carer who would qualify for Carers Allowance, you may be entitled to what is known as Underlying Entitlement, which may entitle you to benefits that your retirement pension does. You can claim online at or call the Carers Allowance Unit on

6 6 Northumberland Emergency Transition Support (NETS) Emergency Support AIM: To help meet your immediate short term needs for goods or services that arise because of a disaster or unforeseen circumstance. Awards are only available for: food, baby consumables, clothing, heating and travel and for a maximum of 7 days support. Community Grant or Loan AIM: To help you remain in the community or move back into the community after a period in supported or unsettled accommodation. Awards are only available for: beds/bedding, furniture, white goods, kitchen equipment, floor coverings, curtains, travel and storage/ removal costs Please also ensure that if applicable you have applied and been declined for a DWP Short-Term Advance and/or a Budgeting Loan before you apply for support from NETs (more info overleaf on budgeting loans) Who can apply Applicants must be over 16 years, be a resident in Northumberland (unless in exceptional circumstances) and have received no more than 2 NET's awards in the past financial year. To apply call

7 7 DWP Budgeting Loans You can apply for a Budgeting Loan if you ve been receiving incomerelated benefits for at least 26 weeks. You must still be getting income-related benefits when your application is assessed. You can get a Budgeting Loan to help pay for essential things like rent, furniture, clothes or hire purchase debts. The smallest amount you can borrow is 100. Budgeting Loans are interest-free so you only pay back what you borrow. You normally have to repay the loan within 104 weeks. To apply fill in a SF500 claim form (you can get this online or from your local Jobcentre). Take the completed form to your local Jobcentre. Find out more and to download the SF500 at or call Jobcentre Plus on Food banks In recent years, food banks have started to open around the country. They are often run by churches, charities and other community groups. There are several Food banks, throughout Northumberland. If you're struggling to feed your family, or need other urgent assistance, find out what help you may be able to get in your area by visiting your local Citizens Advice Bureau or contacting the Carers Northumberland information line on

8 8 Housing & Social Care Options Advice Service Free, confidential, independent and impartial service for the over 50's, their families, carers and organisations. Advice and advocacy for owner occupiers and tenants regardless of income. Telephone advice, face to face advice, home visits and helping you to express your views and wishes. They can offer advice on the following; Housing Options Advice & Advocacy Moving, downsizing, maximising income, using capital Rights to repairs, home adaptations, grants Risk of losing your home, homelessness Care Options Advice & Advocacy Rights to home care, residential care, social services support Paying for care, challenging care and financial assessments Discharge from hospital, disability issues and aids For more information telephone or

9 9 Housing benefit You may be eligible to receive housing benefit if you pay rent and; Your income and capital (savings and investments) are below a certain level You are on Income Support, Job Seeker's Allowance, Employment Support Allowance You receive Pension Credit Contact Northumberland County Council s Benefits section and ask for a housing benefit claim form to be posted out to you. Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) DHPs are additional payments to help people with their rent. They may help for example if you have been affected by the under occupancy tax also know as the bedroom tax. You must be getting Housing Benefit (see above), to be able to receive a DHP. The Discretionary Housing Payments fund is cash limited and therefore cannot be awarded indefinitely. Council tax reduction As a carer you may be entitled to a Council Tax reduction. See page 11 for more information. For more help and information on the above please call the Carers Northumberland information line on

10 10 The Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) help people resolve their legal, money and other problems by providing free, independent and confidential advice. You can reach your local CAB office by calling the advice line on See below for your nearest CAB and any additional numbers they have provided. If no number is provided call the advice line to reach them. West Northumberland Northumbrian CAB (Prudhoe) Northumbrian CAB (Hexham) South & Central Northumberland Morpeth CAB - Debt Advice Wansbeck CAB - Appointments Cramlington CAB Blyth Valley CAB North Northumberland Northumbrian CAB (Amble) Northumbrian CAB (Alnwick)

11 11 Council tax reduction As a carer you may be entitled to a Council Tax reduction as certain adults are not counted for Council Tax purposes. They are referred to as disregarded persons. This means when Northumberland County Council count the number of people in your property they are ignored. To qualify: The person being cared for must be over 18 and be living in the same property as you. They must also be in receipt of one of the following qualifying benefits; Attendance Allowance The Middle or Highest Rate Care Component of a Disability Living Allowance Personal Independence Payment? Increase in the rate of his/her Disablement Pension? Yes No An increase in a Constant Attendance Allowance? Yes No An armed forces independence payment? Please note; You will NOT qualify for this discount if the person you care for is your spouse/partner or your own child under 18 years of age. For more information or to apply for a reduction in Council Tax either counciltax@northumberland.gov.uk or telephone the council tax team on

12 Are your legal affairs in order so that you can continue to provide the excellent support you give your loved one(s)? If you or the person you care for are having trouble claiming the right benefits, are having difficulties with your landlord or you're simply finding it challenging to manage your affairs (or the affairs of someone you look after), you may need expert legal advice to resolve these issues. Knowing where to find legal advice will help take the pressure off you. To help you plan the future before a possible time of crisis, there a several organisations in Northumberland who can offer advice. Such as: LEGACARE details see page 13. Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB), to find your local CAB see page DAWN Advice, see page 3 for their contact details. What is a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document which allows a person (who is 18 years or over and who has mental capacity) to choose other people to make decisions on their behalf should they ever lack the mental capacity to make decisions themselves. The person/people chosen to make decisions are known as attorneys. An LPA can give the person you care for peace of mind because they will have someone they can trust to act on their behalf. It can be very useful for a carer to be an attorney, because this gives them more rights to make decisions for the person they care for. Contact Carers Northumberland on for a LPA factsheet.

13 13 Legal Help and Continued support for Patients and Carers Who are they? LegaCare is a registered Charity comprising of a specialist team of solicitors and support staff dedicated to providing legal advice and continued assistance (where required) to patients diagnosed with a life limiting/life threatening illness and their carers. How can they help? Legacare are here to help you with any legal issues that have arisen as a result of your illness. They give advice and support on a range of issues including: Wills & Probate (Lasting Powers of Attorneys, and Will drafting) How can I receive this service? You (including relative or carer on your behalf) must be referred by Carers Northumberland. How much will it cost? As a general guide, the service is free to anybody who is in receipt of state benefits; earns less than 30,000 gross per annum; and/or has net capital of 30,000 or less. What can I expect? Continued support and advice when required for you and your carers affairs to be dealt with professionally, confidentially, quickly and sensitively. For more information or to be referred to Legacare, contact Carers Northumberland on

14 14 Paying for care There are charges for services such as home care, short breaks or long-term residence in care homes, and also for meals and transport to day care. Most of these charges depend on people's financial circumstances These charges are set by Northumberland County Council, and administered by Northumberland Care Trust. Most people have to pay a contribution towards the cost of their services, but people would not be expected to pay more than they can reasonably afford based on their income and savings - the amount will depend on your financial circumstances. Some people will be assessed as being able to pay all the costs of their support themselves - but you will still be offered help and advice if you want it If you have questions about charges, and if your care manager cannot help you, please contact the Charges Helpline on Northumberland Alzheimer's Society Befriending Service The Befriending service provides support for people with dementia whether in their own home or during outings and activities within the community. The service offers companionship and emotional support rather than care or respite. This service does not provide personal care. Contact The Alzheimer s Society on or northumberland@alzheimers.org.uk

15 15 Credit Union - CUSEN The Credit Union (CUSEN) is a financial co-operative, administered by their members and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. They offer the following services: Family Protection Regular Savings Insurance account Savings account Energy Efficiency Advice tied to Bond Money Management Scheme Advisor Savings account Benefit Checks tied to loan Rent payment scheme Long term savings to Landlord account Direct Benefit deposits Regular saver loan eg DLA, CHB Non-saver loan Payroll deduction Loan for energy Money Management Efficient products advice Repossession Fund Christmas Savings Club Loan Contact; (Ashington Office) or (Blyth office)

16 16 FAQ What are underlying entitlements? If you receive a benefit linked to a disability or illness that prevents you from working, other benefits may also apply or increase as a result and underlying entitlements may be applicable. This could mean alternative or additional payments dependent on circumstances. For further advice contact your local Jobcentre Plus offices. What are Winter Fuel Payments (WFP)? You could get between 100 and 300 tax-free to help pay your heating bills if you were born on or before 5 July Most payments are made automatically between November and December. You usually get a WFP automatically if you get State Pension or some other qualifying benefit. If you qualify but don t get paid automatically, you ll need to make a claim. Call to make a claim. What is the Warm Home Discount? For winter 2014 to 2015, you could get a 140 discount on your electricity bill through the Warm Home Discount Scheme. The discount won t affect your Cold Weather Payment or Winter Fuel Payment. Contact your energy provider for more details. What is a Cold Weather Payment? If you re receiving certain benefits you may be able to get a Cold Weather Payment for each week that the average temperature in your local area is at or below freezing.

17 17 FAQ continued What is income Support? Income Support (IS) helps people on low incomes who are not expected to make themselves available for work. It is for people who don't qualify for Jobseeker's Allowance or Employment and Support Allowance. What is Employment and Support Allowance? Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) is money for people who have limited capability for work because of their sickness or disability but do not get Statutory Sick Pay What is Jobseeker s Allowance? Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) is a benefit for people who are not in full time employment, are capable of working and are looking for a job. What is Pension Credit? Pension Credit is an income-related benefit made up of 2 parts - Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit. Guarantee Credit tops up your weekly income if it s below (for single people) or (for couples). Savings Credit is an extra payment for people who saved some money towards their retirement, eg a pension. See page 3 on how to receive a benefits check either online or face to face.

18 18 Budget planner? Income (weekly/month) Wages/salary Wages/Salary (Partner) Benefits Other income Total income Outgoings (weekly/month) Mortgage/rent Loans etc. Ground rent/service charges Building/contents/Life insurance Council Tax Gas/Electricity Water Food/housekeeping Travel Telephone TV Licence/rental Clothing Other Total outgoings

19 19 Useful numbers Carers Northumberland Carers Allowance Unit Northumberland Adult Social Care (single point of contact for adult social care) Attendance Allowance Unit DAWN Advice Job Centre Plus Pension Credit helpline Northumberland County Council Benefits Section Citizens Advice Bureau Credit Union - CUSAN or Alzheimer's Society - Northumberland Northumberland Emergency Transitions Scheme (NETs) Age UK - Housing & Social Care Options Advice Service Northumberland County Council - Charges helpline

20 20 Charity Number: Carers Northumberland Wansbeck CVS 107 & 109 Station Road Ashington Northumberland NE63 8RS Information line: All information correct at time of printing February 2015