This is a form of tax free benefit available to people aged 65 and over, who require help with personal care due to either a mental (e.g. learning) or physical (e.g. deafness) disability, or both. It is only available when an individual is classed as needing the support of a carer and is not payable due to a form of disability. There are two official benefit rates available, paid weekly: Higher Rate £62.24 or Lower Rate at £41.65, which are not normally affected by an individual’s personal savings or income. For support for children and adults aged below 65, see Disability Living Allowance (DLA). Apply online at www.dwp.gov.uk or call the enquiry line on 0800 882 200. 

This is a form of tax free benefit available for children and adults (aged under 65) with a mental (e.g. learning) or physical (e.g. deafness) disability, or both. It is only available when an individual is classed as needing the support of a carer and is not simply payable due to a form of disability.

This is a form of tax free benefit for people caring or supporting an individual with a disability. To be eligible to claim this funding, any individual must be aged 16 or over and spend at least 35 hours a week providing care for an individual entitled to an Attendance Allowance or Disability Living Allowance (DLA), as listed above. There is no requirement to have a connection through family, cohabitation or other means to be entitled for this allowance. The current weekly rate is £46.95.

Through the local authority, some individuals are eligible for funding support via the social services department, which is based on any given individual’s income and overall capital. Today, thanks to Direct Payment methods, clients can choose how to pay for the service they require. Rather than the local authority deciding on the best provision option, Direct Payments gives the freedom and flexibility to an individual to choose – making Live in Care, above traditional forms of care, even more attractive than ever.

This is a form of care payment available through the local authority, offered to people who do not require the level of support offered by an NHS hospital but nevertheless require a high degree of care on an ongoing or continued basis. Any person can apply for support but set criteria must be met before an individual can access this funding. Individuals suffering from seriously life-limiting or terminal conditions are amongst those accessing this payment most frequently. This payment is designed to cover entire care costs including all medical care, nursing care, personal care, living and accommodation costs, in the same way an NHS hospital would provide this care.

These plans are available through a local authority and provide guaranteed monthly payments to cover part or all of the home care costs required. This is available for either individuals requiring immediate care needs or, for those planning care plans towards the later years of life. Speak with an independent financial advisor or an insurance provider.

These funds are financed by central government. They are dedicated to providing financial support for people with disabilities enabling them to live within the community (e.g. Live in Care within the home) rather than through a residential or nursing home. The ILF disregards an individual’s personal capital (earnings / pension / savings / trust funds etc) or that of a partner. Contact the ILF on 0845 601 8815 or email funds@ilf.org.uk for further information