Carers in Bedfordshire - Carers Grants

What is a Carers Grant?

If you provide substantial care as an unpaid carer, a carers grant can enable you to take up a break, activity, service or training that will improve your health or wellbeing. As a carer registered with us, you can apply for a grant online through our website or by post.

Our independent panel reviews each application and makes awards against grant criteria. We will send you an email or a letter after the panel has been held at the end of each month.

What can the Carers Grant be used for?

The grant can be used flexibly to help fund something that will improve your health and wellbeing, or training that will help you to gain qualifications to access the job market.

A break doesn’t have to mean a holiday – it can also mean having time away from your caring role to do something for you. This could be something like going for regular massages or going to visit family and friends.

Examples of what you can apply for

• Day trips and activities
• Stress-relieving therapies
• A holiday break
• Equipment for the home to help with daily tasks
• Gym membership
• Driving lessons
• Training to help with improving your confidence, skills, knowledge or job prospects

.

The grant cannot be used for

• Rent payments
• Council Tax payments
• Mortgage payments
• Outstanding debt or fees associated with debt
• University/college accommodation costs
• Legal fees
• Fines and penalties
• Any statutory payments not covered above
• Anything that would normally be funded by health and social care
• Utility bills – gas, electricity, water, wi-fi and telephone bills

Who are grants for?

Unpaid carers from age four can make one grant application in 12 months and can apply for either:

• an Individual grant: For one carer only. There is no maximum amount you can apply for but the panel is unlikely to award more than £275.
• a Household grant: For multiple carers, each registered with us, living at the same address, will need to apply jointly on one application. Each carer can apply for their own items or services. There is no maximum amount you can apply for but the panel is unlikely to award more than £375.

The grant is not means-tested and does not affect your benefits. It is kindly funded by the NHS and our independent panel reviews each application and makes awards against the criteria.

* By the way, if you get carers allowance you are still an unpaid carer.

How to apply for a Carers grant

Please visit the carers grant page on Carers In Bedfordshire by clicking here