listen to those around you if they feel they notice any differences. • Seek medical advice and support as soon as you notice changes you are concerned about. • Northamptonshire Carers is part of The Age Well Team that is linked with your GP surgery and other organisations, all trained to support you and help you access specialist advice from the right person. www.northamptonshire- carers.org/ageing-well • Contact Northamptonshire Carers on 01933 677907 to find out if you are eligible to access this service. We can help develop a bespoke plan to meet your needs such as ensuring you have the right mobility and monitoring equipment should you need it, link you with someone to review the benefits you might be entitled to or support you accessing local social and exercise groups. Section 5 - Financial & Benefits State of Caring survey 2024
This year’s survey found that:
• 61% of unpaid Carers are worried about living costs and managing in the future, and over a third (35%) don’t feel confident they will be able to manage financially over the next 12 months. • 28% of Carers are cutting back on essentials like food and heating, an increase from 25% in 2022. • 28% of Carers said they have had to use credit cards, 22% have used their overdraft and 14% of Carers are in debt because of caring. • 68% of Carers have cut back on hobbies and leisure activities and 60% have reduced time spent seeing family and friends. • Over half of Carers (51%) said that their financial situation is having a negative impact on their mental health, and 61% feel stressed or anxious when they think about their financial situation. • 42% of Carers on Carer’s Allowance are struggling to make ends meet, compared to 27% of all Carers, and 19% of Carers in receipt of Universal Credit use food banks compared to 7% of all Carers. Navigating the financial systems can be daunting and being a Carer can often be a financial burden. Below you can find a range of topics illustrating the different types of financial support you might be entitled to as a Carer. You may be entitled to claim on behalf of yourself or someone you care for. There are different options available and how to understand the system and seek help. Attendance Allowance A ttendance Allowance helps with extra costs if you have a disability severe enough that you need someone to help look after you. It is paid at 2 different rates and how much you get depends on the level of care that you need because of your disability.
The State of Caring 2024 survey found that unpaid Carers are finding it increasingly difficult to afford day-to-day living costs, with the worry and anxiety of this affecting their mental health and well-being. Carers, particularly those receiving Carer’s Allowance and Universal Credit, are struggling to make ends meet, and many are making difficult choices, such as reducing meal sizes or skipping meals. A majority of Carers responding to our survey are now cutting back on social connections, which often provide a vital lifeline helping people to balance caring responsibilities with their own well- being.
Eligibility
You can get Attendance Allowance if you’ve reached State Pension age and the following apply (unless you might have 12 months or less to live): • You have a physical disability (including sensory disability, for example blindness), a mental disability (including learning difficulties), or both • Your disability is severe enough for you to need help caring for yourself or someone to supervise you, for your own or someone else’s safety
52
53
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator