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<p>At Spring Budget the Chancellor announced a six-month extension of the Household
Support Fund, to continue to provide targeted support to those most in need. The government
is providing an additional £500m to enable the extension of the Household Support
Fund, including funding for the Devolved Administrations through the Barnett formula
to be spent at their discretion. This means that Local Authorities in England will
receive an additional £421m to support those in need locally through the Household
Support Fund.</p><p> </p><p>This Government recognises and values the vital contribution
made by carers in supporting some of the most vulnerable in society, including pensioners
and those with disabilities. Carer’s Allowance is available to provide a measure of
financial support and recognition for people who are not able to work full time because
of their caring responsibilities. The rate of Carer’s Allowance is £76.75 a week,
from April 2024 this will increase to £81.90 a week. Since 2010, the rate of Carer’s
Allowance will have increased from £53.90 to £81.90 a week from April 2024, providing
around an £1500 a year for carers through Carer’s Allowance.</p><p> </p><p>In addition
to Carer’s Allowance, carers on low incomes can claim income-related benefits such
as Universal Credit and Pension Credit. These 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>Receiving a means-tested
benefit can act as a “passport” to other support, including help with fuel costs through
schemes such as the Warm Home Discount, so carers who are not receiving a means-tested
benefit already are encouraged to check whether they might be entitled. Full details
of all DWP benefits are available on Gov.UK. Help and Advice can also be sought from
bodies such as Carers UK, Carers Trust, and Citizens Advice through their Help to
Claim support.</p>
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