Looking after someone 2017, Northern Ireland

Help with rates If you’re caring for someone you may be able to get help with your rates bill. Rate Relief Scheme Additional help for carers People on low incomes, including pensioners, may receive a reduction in their rates through the Rate Relief Scheme. There is additional help for carers, provided through the existing Rate Relief Scheme, with a 20 per cent increase in the carer premium. The Rate Relief Scheme helps you if you are: There are sometimes discounts you can get on the rates bill. If only one person over 70 lives in the property, they may get help through the Lone Pensioner Allowance (they may still be entitled if they live with a carer or others) • a pensioner and have savings of up to £50,000 • getting Housing Benefit for only part of your rate bill • just outside the income limit for receiving Housing Benefit When you apply for Housing Benefit, you will also be assessed for Rate Relief. This means that if you do not qualify for Housing Benefit, or only qualify for partial Housing Benefit, you may still be able to get help with your rates through the Rate Relief Scheme. You may be able to pay less rates under the Disabled Person’s Allowance if your home has had work carried out on it to help you or someone else living with a disability. Find out more at carersuk.org/ni/raterelief If you’re not sure whether you can claim Housing Benefit, or if you have tried to claim in the past and been unsuccessful, you should apply again. Looking after someone carersni.org 25

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