Carers’ Personal Budgets If, following an assessment, the council finds the carer eligible for support, it will work with them to develop a support plan, this will include information on any Personal Budget they may be eligible for. The carers’ Personal Budget is the amount of money which has been agreed to meet the carer’s identified needs. The carer can request some or all of the council’s contribution to the Personal Budget as a Direct Payment, a payment that can be used towards the cost of something specific that will
support carers in their caring role. For example, it could be used for leisure activities, education or training, or just to take a short break from caring. When Adult Social Care considers a carers’ Personal Budget, it gives priority to situations where there is a significant risk of the carer not being able to continue to provide care if they do not get some support. The amount a carer could get depends on their needs identified by their carers’ assessment. The money is not taxed and it will not affect any benefits.
Respite at home Home-based respite services give carers a break from their caring responsibilities. A care worker can come in to look after the person being cared for, so the carer can have some time to themselves. The breaks could be regular or just when needed. Respite at home is considered to be a service for
the person who is being cared for. If they have a Personal Budget for their own needs (see page 12) they could use that money to pay for it. A financial assessment of the person being cared for will confirm whether they need to pay towards the cost of this service.
Benefits Carers may want to explore whether they are entitled to Carer’s Allowance – currently £64.60 per week but this may change over the life of this Directory. Carer’s Allowance is a taxable benefit available to eligible carers. Carers may also qualify for Carer’s Premium or Carer’s Credit depending on their eligibility. The Government’s website, www.gov.uk has more information on benefits, including carers’ benefits. Alternatively, contact a local carers’ organisation which may be able to help undertake a benefit check.
You can find out more about which organisations support carers in Buckinghamshire by exploring www.careadvicebuckinghamshire.org Carers Bucks Carers Bucks is a local organisation supporting carers in Buckinghamshire. It supports both adult and young carers, and has various support groups and services to help carers in their role. Tel: 0300 777 2722 Email: mail@carersbucks.org Web: www.carersbucks.org
Resource for those supporting disabled children My Family, Our Needs is an online resource providing impartial information for parents, carers and practitioners supporting children from birth to 25 years with additional needs. As well as guidance, policy and signposting, there is a lifestyle section for parents covering topics such as health and wellbeing, work, family and relationships. Visit www.myfamilyourneeds.co.uk
www.myfamilyourneeds.co.uk For parents and carers of children with additional needs and those who support them.
Visit www.carechoices.co.uk for further assistance with your search for care
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