Caring for a loved one
Here are Swiss Valley Childminding we recognise the stresses of juggling a career, your day to day commitments, raising children, caring for a loved one; all of which, ultimately, take a toll upon our mental health and well-being (no matter how under control we think we’ve got it!). With this in mind, we have attached some useful information on how to get both financial and emotional support when caring for a loved one. Our aim is to alleviate any worries that added roles and responsibilities bring to your life by making it easy to get you to where you need to be.
Short Breaks Scheme: Unpaid carers can apply for short, funded break away from their caring role. To apply for a short break funded by Amser, unpaid carers should contact their local provider directly. Click here to find a list of short break providers in your area.
Carers Support Fund: Funded by Welsh Government, the Carers Support Fund will provide additional services and grant funding to support unpaid carers who are experiencing financial hardship due to the cost-of-living crisis and ongoing impact of the pandemic. Click here to apply for funding support available to you.
Carers Allowance: If you spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone with an illness or disability, you may be eligible for extra money called Carer’s Allowance. It is paid at a rate of £76.75 per week (2023/24).
You may be able to claim Carer’s Allowance if all the following apply: • You look after someone for at least 35 hours a week.
• You don’t earn more than £139 per week (after deductions including tax, national insurance and certain expenses). Find out more about the earnings limit.
• The person you care for receives a disability benefit (see below).
• You’re aged 16 or over.
• You’re not in full-time education.
• You meet UK residence and presence conditions and UK immigration conditions – Citizens Advice has detailed information on this. Contact Advice NI if you live in Northern Ireland.