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<p>The Government recognises and values the vital contribution made by carers every
day in providing significant care and continuity of support to family and friends,
including pensioners and those with disabilities.</p><p> </p><p>Depending on personal
circumstances, carers may be eligible for means-tested benefits, including Universal
Credit and Pension Credit. Means-tested benefits can be paid to carers at a higher
rate than those without caring responsibilities through the Carer Element and the
additional amount for carers respectively.</p><p> </p><p>Nearly 60% of carers on low
incomes who are of working age and on Carer’s Allowance, also claim a means-tested
benefit through which they may be entitled to receive a Cost of Living Payment. We
would encourage anyone who is providing unpaid care, and who is not already in receipt
of a means-tested benefit, to check on Gov.UK to confirm whether there are other benefits
they may be entitled to. Advice can also be sought from organisations such as Carers
UK and Citizen’s Advice. Means tested benefits can provide extra weekly income and
trigger extra support with the cost of living.</p><p> </p><p>To ensure stability and
certainty for households, in the Autumn Statement the Government has announced £26
billion in cost of living support for 2023/24. This includes Cost of Living Payments
for the most vulnerable households, an additional £1 billion to help with the cost
of household essentials next year and the amended Energy Price Guarantee, which will
save the average UK household £500 in 2023-24. In addition, we are uprating benefits
for working age households and disabled people, as well as the basic and new State
Pensions, all by 10.1%.</p><p> </p><p>Other cost of living support available to unpaid
carers includes a non-repayable £400 discount on energy bills available for all domestic
electricity customers in Great Britain.</p><p> </p><p>For those who require additional
support with the cost of household essentials, we have provided an extension to the
Household Support Fund in England backed by £421 million, running from 1 October 2022
to 31 March 2023. Devolved administrations will receive £79 million through the Barnett
formula.</p>
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