Caring for a sick relative

"My father recently had a stroke and I have cut down my working hours to care for him. He receives sick pay, but we are struggling financially. Is there any help available for us?"

Financial support is available for people when they become ill, as well as for their carers. What is available will depend on your circumstances.

Your father may be eligible for Personal Independence Payments (PIP) to help with his daily living and mobility costs. His eligibility will be assessed on how his condition affects him, and what support he needs.

To apply for PIP, your father can call the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and then complete the form he is sent. He can request a form by post, but it is usually better to start the claim over the phone, as PIP payments are backdated from the day you made your claim.

There may also be help available for you as his carer. Carer’s Allowance is a financial assistance for people who have less time to work because they are caring for someone. If you earn £110 a week or less from your job after tax, and care for your father for 35 hours a week, you may be eligible.

You can make an application on the gov.uk website. To claim Carer’s Allowance, your father needs to be in receipt of the component of PIP which covers living costs (as opposed to mobility costs).

If you need help or information on applying for any of these benefits, contact your local Citizens Advice or go online at www.citizensadvice.org.uk.

For further information and advice, contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau or see www.adviceguide.org.uk.

Your local bureau – South Worcestershire Citizens Advice Bureau at Malvern Heights, Chequers Close, Enigma Business Park, Malvern, WR14 1BF is open:

Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri 10 am - 4 pm

Wed (Specialist Debt Advice - by appointment)

Tel: 01684 563611

We also have local CAB Community Liaison Volunteers in rural areas around Malvern as follows:

Alfrick and Lulsley – Elaine Kite – 01886 884435 – elainekite@btinternet.com

Berrow, Bushley, Eldersfield, Holdfast, Longdon, Pendock and Queenhill – Philippa Pipe – 07512797212 - pcpipe@icloud.com

Bransford, Leigh & Leigh Sinton – Lillian Somervaille – 01886 833526 lillian@aubretiacottage.org.uk

Castlemorton, Birtsmorton & Welland – Liz & Neville Mills – 07592 055998 neville_liz.mills@btinternet.com

Suckley – in partnership with the Suckley Good Neighbour Scheme – duty volunteer - 01886 840480 - suckleygns@gmail.com

Teme Valley - all parishes:-

Stuart Cumella (Martley) 01886 888797, 07946869882, stuartcumella@gmail.com

Lesley Dean (Stanford Bridge) 01886 853295 les2dean@googlemail.com

Margaret Watkins (Lindridge) 01299 270073, brianwatkins552@gmail.com