National News: Carers can now apply for Carer's Allowance online
The new online Carer’s Allowance application system has now launched, in a move that is already transforming the lives of thousands of carers across the country.
Carer’s Allowance is a benefit for people who are looking after someone with substantial caring needs. 240,000 people in the UK claim the allowance each year, and until now, they were forced to do this via the post or by using an outdated online system which was difficult to complete and had low take-up.
Full news release on Gov.uk
Do you provide support to a relative, partner, friend or neighbour who could not manage without you? Then you are a carer.
We maintain a register of carers so that we can provide specialist advice for this very important role. If you think that provide such care for someone, please do let us know. The staff at Reception will be able to assist you with this.
Alternatively do you have a friend or family member that you could not manage without? Whether this is a child or adult we can offer emotional and physical support, one-to-one advice, useful information and breaks.
According to the 2011 census, there are 47,608 people in Wiltshire who are devoting time and energy to ensure that someone they know is looked after.
The Lansdowne Surgery has teamed up with Carers Support Wiltshire to raise awareness of unpaid carers and ensure that those registered with the surgery receive appropriate advice, information and support regarding their caring role.
Carers clinics are held at the Practice - please ask at Reception, when the next one will be held. We can also help you to access free counselling, benefits advice, complementary therapies, support groups, training opportunities and much more.
Other support available:
Visit Carers Support Wiltshire at http://carersinwiltshire.co.uk/
You can find their latest newsletter here
Take a look at their Whats on Guide
Contact Carer Support Wiltshire
Telephone: 0800 181 4118
Website: www.carersinwiltshire.co.uk
Email: info@carersinwiltshire.co.uk
Office Hours: Lines are open 9am – 4:30pm Monday- Thursday and 9am – 4pm on Fridays. Calls are free from UK landlines.
Carers support groups
Finance and Law
Help claiming benefits, looking after your bank balance and understanding the legal issues of caring.
Directing carers to the benefits that can help them in their caring role
- Advice and information on helping the person you look after get the benefits that they are entitled to
- Death and benefits
How your benefits maybe affected after the death of the person you look after and what happens to their benefits
Advice for when carers find they have to take over the legal affairs of the person they are looking after
Advice for carers and the people they are looking after on claiming a whole host of other benefits unrelated to their disability or caring
Advice on keeping a tight rein on household and personal finance for carers
Information on claiming tax credits and whether you might be eligible