Getting information on benefits
Getting information on benefits
The benefits system is complicated . It is a good idea to get a benefit check to make sure you and the person you are looking after are claiming all the benefits you are entitled to .
As well as increasing your household income , benefits can sometimes help protect your State Pension entitlement in the future .
The Carers UK website covers the main conditions for each benefit . Find out more at carersuk . org / benefits
Welfare reform
Welfare reform is being implemented in Northern Ireland throughout 2016 / 17 , bringing about the biggest change to the social security system in many years .
There will be a system of ‘ welfare supplementary payments ’ to help cover financial loss of those affected by the changes to the benefits system .
Those who are eligible will not have to apply for these payments as they should be made automatically .
Find out more at carersuk . org / ni / welfarereform
Get advice
It ’ s important to get advice to find out how welfare reform might affect you and your family .
The Carers NI Adviceline can carry out a benefit check for you – email advice @ carersni . org or call 028 9043 9843 .
You can also get a benefit check online . It will take about 20 minutes to complete .
Visit www . entitledto . co . uk / benefits-calculator or
www . turn2us . org . uk / find-benefits-grants
These online tools are not suitable for everyone . Special rules apply to some groups of people , for example : students , people under 18 , people in permanent residential care , UK nationals who live abroad and people who are not British or Irish citizens .
You may be able to get a face-toface benefit check from a local advice centre such as your local Citizens Advice Bureau , Age NI , Make the Call Campaign or disability charity .
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Looking after someone carersni . org