Unpaid carers in Torfaen, who were being paid carers allowance on 31 March 2022, can now apply for a one-off £500 payment.
The Welsh Government payment is being made in recognition of the increased financial pressures many unpaid carers have experienced during the pandemic, and to help with some of the additional costs they have incurred.
An unpaid carer is someone who cares for a partner, relative or friend who has an illness of disability. Carers allowance is paid to people caring for at least 35 hours a week, who care for someone receiving certain benefits and who earn no more than £128 a week.
The payment is for individuals who care for someone for at least 35 hours a week and have a low income.
You will not be eligible for the £500 if:
- you have an underlying entitlement to carer’s allowance, but do not receive a payment because you are in receipt of another benefit at the same or higher rate; or
- you only receive a carer premium within a means tested benefit
If you believe you may qualify for this support, you can submit a claim through the council’s website.
Payments for successful claims will be made from June through to the end of September 2022. All registration forms must be received before 5pm on 15 July 2022
Claimants will be expected to register with the council where they live, not the council where the person they care for lives (if it is different).