Caring for someone in England or Wales? Get the help and support you’re entitled to
Caring for someone else – whether they’re a partner, parent, friend or family member – is an act of love, strength and commitment. But caring can also be physically and financially demanding. If you’re supporting a veteran day‑to‑day, or you’re a veteran supporting somebody else, there is help for carers in England and Wales that can help lighten the load.
Here’s a clear guide to some of the help and support available.
Time to read:
This guidance is for England and Wales. There are separate guides for Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Financial help for carers in England and Wales
Many carers don’t realise they’re entitled to financial support. If you’re providing regular care for someone, it’s important to check what you can get, even if you’re already receiving other benefits.
Carer’s Allowance
You could get £83.30 a week if:
- you care for someone for at least 35 hours a week, and
- the person you care for receives certain disability benefits
You do not have to be related to, or live with, the person you care for.
Carer’s Credit
If you care for someone for at least 20 hours a week, you may be eligible for Carer’s Credit.
This is a National Insurance credit that helps protect your State Pension if caring means you’re not working or earning enough to pay National Insurance.
Your income, savings or investments do not affect eligibility.
Universal Credit
Universal Credit is a monthly payment to help with living costs. It’s paid monthly in most cases.
You may be able to claim if you:
- are on a low income
- are out of work
- cannot work due to caring responsibilities or health reasons
You may receive extra help from Universal Credit if you’re caring for someone for more than 35 hours a week who is in receipt of a qualifying disability benefit.
Pension Credit
If you’re over State Pension age and on a low income, Pension Credit can give you extra money to help with:
- day‑to‑day living costs
- housing costs such as service charges or ground rent
You may receive extra help if you’re:
- a carer
- severely disabled
- responsible for a child or young person
Checking your entitlement can make a real difference to your financial security.
Armed Forces Compensation Scheme or War Pension Scheme
It’s important to note that, if you are receiving AFCS or WPS payments, this can affect your eligibility or the amount you receive for other means-tested benefits.
Contact MoD Veterans Services if you need more advice.
Apply for a needs assessment
Asking for a needs assessment can be an important step in getting the help and support you deserve.
It’s free and anyone can apply for one.
With an assessment, social services can make sure you’re getting all the help available.
Support provided can include:
- home care help with things like cleaning and shopping
- disability equipment and adaptations to your home
- day centres to give you or the person who cares for you a break
- day care for your child
- help with parenting, such as parenting classes
- care homes
Veteran organisations that can provide help for carers in England and Wales
You don’t have to face the challenges of caring alone. Several military charities offer practical help, financial guidance and emotional support.
The Royal British Legion
The Royal British Legion can provide:
- practical help
- financial guidance
- information about services for veterans and families
SSAFA – the Armed Forces Charity
SSAF – the Armed Forces Charity support carers through:
- welfare services
- emotional and listening support
- guidance for families of SSAFA beneficiaries
Help for Heroes
Help for Heroes supports veterans and their families, including carers, with:
- recovery and rehabilitation services
- mental health and wellbeing support
- financial and welfare advice
- community groups and peer support networks
The Ripple Pond
The Ripple Pond offers a supportive community for adult family members and carers of physically or psychologically injured service personnel and veterans, including:
- peer support through local and online groups
- shared experiences with others in similar situations
- guidance to help navigate the challenges of caring
- a safe space focused specifically on families and carers
Blind Veterans UK
Blind Veterans UK supports carers of visually impaired veterans with:
- specialist advice
- peer support groups
- practical guidance
Need more options?
The GOV.UK veteran support directory allows you to search and filter organisations in one place. It’s a helpful tool for finding services that fit your situation.
Caring isn’t easy, and help is available
Whether you’re balancing caring responsibilities with work, adapting a home or trying to manage rising costs, help is available. These benefits and organisations exist to support you, as well as the person you care for.
You deserve recognition, rest and reliable support, and you don’t have to do this alone.