Financial and legal support

Carers Allowance

You may be eligible for Carers Allowance—a government benefit of up to £83.30 per week. It’s paid every four weeks (or weekly in advance if preferred).

You could be eligible if:

• You care for someone for 35+ hours a week
• You earn less than £196 a week
• You are not in full-time education
• The person you care for receives a disability benefit

Note: Carers Allowance can affect other benefits. 

Apply for Carers Allowance on the Government website.

Universal Credit

Universal Credit is the main government benefit for working-age people. You can claim whether you are employed or unemployed (but not if you're in full-time education).

Your payment depends on:

• Age
• Income
• Whether you’re single or with a partner
• Your savings

Carers Allowance counts as income and may affect your Universal Credit.

Apply for Universal Credit 

Learn how Universal Credit works for carers

More about welfare benefits for carers

Further help and advice

Local sources of help and advice

You can get a benefit check done through Citizens Advice or other local advice centres to find out what you and the person you care for may be able to claim.

As well as benefits advice, some advice centres also help with other money matters, including debt and energy advice.

• Citizens Advice (Bristol): Freephone 0808 278 7957
• Citizens Advice (South Glos):  0808 278 7947
• North Bristol Advice Centre (North Bristol and South Gloucestershire): 0117 951 5751
• South Bristol Advice Services: 0117 985 1122
• St Paul’s Advice Centre (St. Paul’s & East Bristol): 0117 955 2981
• One-Stop Shops (Kingswood, Patchway, Yate)

Turn2US

Turn2us is a national charity providing practical help to people who are struggling financially. 

Fighting UK Poverty – Turn2us

CarersLine

If you are unsure whether you are entitled to benefits or where to go for further advice, please get in touch with CarersLine. We will point you in the right direction.

You may be eligible for grants to help with living costs, equipment, bills, or caring needs. These grants are offered by charities, trusts, and public bodies.

Helpful resources to find grants:

• Turn2Us – Matches you to grants based on your circumstances
• Disability Grants – Lists grants for people with disabilities or carers
• Lightning Reach – Online tool to search and apply for support, with updates

Think about your needs and personal circumstances when searching for grants. Once you find one, read all application instructions carefully and give as much detail as possible to strengthen your application.

If you're facing housing difficulties, these services can help:

• South Gloucestershire Shared Lives Scheme: Community-based housing in family homes.
• Home Choice (South Gloucestershire Council): Housing advice and social housing applications.
• Shelter: UK-wide housing charity with online and phone advice.
  Helpline: 0808 800 4444
• Housing Matters: Free, confidential housing advice in Bristol.
  Tel: 0117 935 1260 | admin@housingmatters.org.uk |
• Bristol Housing Support Directory: Download from the Bristol City Council website.

We can help signpost you to legal support on topics such as:

• Power of Attorney
• Accessing health and social care
• Carer rights
• Discrimination at work or in education
• Wills and probate

Contact us via our online form or through our CarersLine.

Useful Legal Support Links

• Bristol Law Centre – Free legal advice for Bristol residents
• Citizens Advice Bristol – Legal advice and guidance
• University of Bristol Law Clinic – Free legal advice from solicitors and law students
• Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire – Legal support for South Glos residents