Every year, millions of pounds in benefits goes unclaimed by older people in Northern Ireland. Some are put off by the claims process, others simply don’t know what support is available to them. Make sure you're not one of those missing out.

Carer's Allowance

Carer’s Allowance is the main welfare benefit available to help carers. If you look after someone with a disability or health problem, you may be able to claim it – even if you don’t think of yourself as a ‘carer.’

Can I claim it?

You could qualify if:

• you spend at least 35 hours a week caring for a disabled person – whether you live with them or not
• the person you look after receives Attendance Allowance, the Disability Living Allowance care component (at the higher or middle rate), the Personal Independence Payment daily living component (at either rate), Armed Forces Independence Payment or Constant Attendance Allowance
• you’re not in full-time education or earning more than £128 a week (after tax and expenses).

If your State Pension is more than £67.25 a week, you won’t be paid Carer’s Allowance. Claiming anyway could increase other means-tested benefits you get, but it may reduce certain benefits received by the person you’re looking after.

For help weighing up your options, it’s best to speak to Age NI’s Advice and Advocacy Service before claiming Carer’s Allowance. To request a claim form for Carer’s Allowance, call the Disability and Carers Service on 0800 587 0912

Attendance Allowance

Attendance Allowance (AA) is a benefit for older people who may need extra help to stay independent at home due to an illness or disability.

There are two weekly rates:

• £59.70 (lower rate) if you need help either in the day or at night
• £89.15 (higher rate) if you need help both in the day and at night

These rates don’t depend on your income or savings, or any other benefits you may be receiving – just on the help you need. You don’t have to actually be receiving the help to claim AA, and you can use it in any way you like to stay independent in your own home – it doesn’t have to be spent on a carer. If you’re entitled to AA, you may also be paid extra money with Pension Credit and Housing Benefit.

Can I claim it?

You can claim AA if all of the following apply to you:

• You’re over State Pension age (if you’re under State Pension age then you may be able to claim a different benefit called Personal Independence Payment
• You have any type of disability, illness or long-term health condition, including sight or hearing impairments.
• You could benefit from help with personal care, like dressing and washing, or any supervision to keep you safe.
• You have needed help for six months (if you’re terminally ill, you can claim straight away).

If you’re already claiming Personal Independence Payment, you’ll continue to receive it after your 65th birthday, or when you reach State Pension age, provided you continue to meet the qualifying conditions.

Advisers can help you fill in your application for Attendance Allowance, which might increase your chances of claiming successfully. Contact Age NI's Advice and Advocacy Service on freephone 0808 808 7575.

Housing Benefit

Housing Benefit helps pay your rent if you are a tenant. You could be entitled to Housing Benefit but are not receiving it.

Can I claim it?

You could get Housing Benefit if:

• you pay rent
• you’re on a low income or claiming benefits
• you receive the Guarantee part of Pension Credit
• you have less than £16,000 in savings.

What could I get?

What help you receive depends on:

• your income
• your savings
• the number of rooms in your home
• how much rent you pay
• whether you qualify for certain other benefits like sickness, carer’s or disability benefit, or Pension Credit
• who you live with. For example if you have someone living with you, who is expected to contribute to the rent, an amount will usually be deducted from your Housing Benefit.

Discretionary housing payment

If you get Housing Benefit and still find it difficult to pay your rent, you can apply for a discretionary housing payment. Contact the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.

How do I claim?

Contact the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to claim. You may be able to apply online, by telephone or by completing a form.