Attendance allowance 

Attendance Allowance is a tax free benefit for people over 65 who need help with personal care such as getting in and out of bed, washing, eating, medication or mobility, or because they can become confused and need someone to watch over them. 

Phone your local benefits office or (0845) 7123456 for advice or click learn more.

Carer’s allowance 

A taxable benefit for people such as friends and family members, who look after someone, who gets Attendance Allowance or Disability Living Allowance. Extra expenses can be claimed for paying a third party to provide care while you are out. 

Phone your local benefits office or (0800) 882200 or click learn more.

Help the aged 

Impartial advice on Funding Your Care by Age UK for older people and their carers. Free, confidential and impartial advice about benefits and community care. 

Phone (0808) 8006565 or click learn more.

Personal independence payments (PIP's) 

Personal Independence Payments (PIP) help with some of the extra costs caused by long-term ill-health or a disability if you’re aged 16 to 64. 

Click learn more to read more about PIP.

Disability living allowance 

A tax-free benefit for children and adults with a disability or illness who need help with getting around or personal care and who claim before the age of 65. 

Phone your local benefits office or call (0845) 7123456, or click learn more.

Independent living fund 

The top-up fund that works in conjunction with Social Services. ILF pays grants to people with high support needs who wish to live independently. ILF disregards a client’s earnings and that of partners so you can earn without losing any funding. 

Phone (0845) 6018815 or click on the link above. 

Long-term care insurance (‘Care Fee Payment Plans’) 

This type of insurance pays out a tax-free income if you become unable to cope on your own. The income can be used to provide private help in your own home. Most insurers offer an ‘immediate care insurance’ scheme for those who need immediate and on-going care; normally you would pay a single premium, with the amount based on how long the insurance company thinks you will need care. 

Direct Payments’

Direct payments in social care are cash payments from your local council that let you arrange your own care instead of using council-provided services, giving you more control and flexibility over how your needs are met. They're available to adults with care needs, carers, and parents of disabled children.

Continuing care (NHS)

Your every nursing and care need is entitled to be paid for ‘in any setting’ – including in your own home – if, following a short clinical assessment, your local health authority agrees your health needs meet their criteria for funding. This money can be spent, for example, on 24-hour live-in nursing, night nurses or daily respite. 

Phone NHS Direct on (0845) 4647