Back up when you need it

Mortgages made easy

We’ve already got help on hand if your mortgage company don’t understand that you’re living with an unrelated but specially chosen person who isn’t a tenant, and feels like part of your family. Our specialist mortgage advisors from Mortgage Brain are here to help guide you through the process with no obligation, whether you are a first time buyer, moving home or re-mortgaging.

There is no fee for a consultation and it’s just £150 on application for members. It’s just one of our perks and makes life that little bit easier.

House and contents insurance

Our partners Towergate offer tailored household insurance which recognises the person who lives with you as a member of your family instead of a tenant! This means you are covered for accidental damages just as you would be for a relative. You can get a 10% discount on your current insurers’ rates for the first year – you’ll be fully covered, with no surprises when you least want it.

Tax returns and advice

We offer guidance or tax advice about how to register as self-employed, qualifying care relief, and how to do an online tax return through our partners BKPlus and BWM Chartered Accountants.

If you have a complex arrangement and you need a tax return done for you, we have arranged discounts with Accountants who understand your Shared Lives carer role.

Contact:

BKPlus

0121 828 6058 (£160 inc. VAT)

BWM Chartered Accountants

0151 236 1494 (£240 inc. VAT)

Free NI and benefits help from BKPlus

Advisors at BKPlus, have specialised in self-employed carer finances for over 11 years, in that time they have built up a wealth of knowledge and experience in advising on carer tax, NI and benefits.  You can talk to them about:

Income Tax – responsibilities, liabilities, allowances and guidance in completing tax returns.

National Insurance – how to get it right to ensure that you will receive full state pension at your retirement date.

Benefits – you and your family’s benefits entitlements e.g. universal credit, PIP, housing benefit, council tax relief, DLA, carers allowance, ESA and more.

BKPlus are also offering Shared Lives Plus carers, and any selfemployed member of their families, a fixed, discounted rate of £160 inc. VAT when they sign up for their tax return service.

General legal advice

You can seek general legal advice through our legal helpline on any legal issue. This service is provided by LawExpress and you will need your membership number to access their services - 0330 303 1876

De-approval – legal advice

We also offer specific legal advice about de-approval, call Stephensons Solicitors on 0333 344 4881

Back up when you need it

Public liability insurance – essential and included in full membership

When you care for an elderly or disabled person you may be legally liable, if someone suffers a loss or is injured as a result of the actions of the person in your care, or under your supervision.

Public liability insurance protects Shared Lives carers from claims arising from personal injury or property damage to a third party as a result of alleged negligence on your part.

It’s an essential part of your role and even if your council say they provide it, please double check to make sure it covers Shared Lives.

If not, it’s around £40 to upgrade from basic membership.

Our partners Towergate have many years of understanding the unique nature of familybased Shared Lives care and have developed a policy which provides effective and broad cover for up to £10 million.

We hope it never happens, but if it does, you’ve got peace of mind you can get on with the job of living!