Allowances
What can an older person claim and how?
Calls to end the Carer’s Allowance work/benefit trap
The financial problems facing unpaid carers have finally been recognised publicly, alongside calls to fix the system that is punishing people for caring and working to support themselves. In an editorial, the Guardian refers to what’s been described as a ‘catch out culture’ at the Department of Work and Pensions. Any carer earning over £151 […]
Read moreWarnings on no-win, no-fee offers on NHS CHC claims
The question of NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) payments has been a challenging one for many. Now the announcement of updated UK government guidelines have prompted renewed warnings from a group of organisations campaigning to improve CHC that they should be aware of their rights and be wary of no-claim, no-fee offers. What is NHS CHC? […]
Read moreWhat does the UK chancellor’s Spring Statement mean for seniors?
On 23 March 2020 the UK Chancellor set out his budgetary changes, responding to a rising cost of living that is already badly blighting many lives. Is the good news good enough? What are the changes, what do they mean for older people, and how do the experts think? Not all changes affect older people, […]
Read moreClaiming benefits and allowances for older people and their carers
Older people in the UK can claim a wide variety of benefits to help finance their everyday lives. Some are well-known and easy-ish to claim. Many are not. Here are the key allowances that they or their supporter may be able to claim. Where the process is complex, we’ve added links for you to investigate […]
Read moreNHS Continuing Healthcare: why it’s important to have a coordinator
Claiming NHS Continuing Healthcare in the UK is an uphill struggle. Our expert Roger Burgess explains why it’s so important to ensure an independent coordinator is appointed. Note: This article was originally published in February 2016, and the Framework it discusses has since been updated. While much of this article is still relevant, there […]
Read moreNHS fully-funded care for people with primary health needs – part 2
Following his discussion of who can claim NHS Continuing Healthcare funding in part 1 of this article, independent adviser Roger Burgess explains the steps that applicants will go through to make their claim. He provides comment and advice based on his experience of helping others to make claims. Note: This article was originally published in […]
Read moreNHS fully-funded care for people with primary health needs – part 1
People with a ‘primary health need’ could be eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare financial support but it’s not a service that’s widely advertised. Expert Roger D Burgess describes what he has learned from helping families to make their claims. Editor’s note: This article was originally published in February 2016, and the Framework it discusses has […]
Read moreFamily member needs care? Applying for Attendance Allowance
Attendance Allowance can be paid to older relatives who need help with day-to-day living. We work through the application process to make a time-consuming task a little easier. We hear regularly from people who have been refused Attendance Allowance for an older relative based on their application. If an application is refused you can appeal […]
Read moreThe 10 biggest myths about NHS Continuing Healthcare funding
Angela Sherman, Director of Care To Be Different an online information resource about NHS Continuing Healthcare funding, debunks common mistruths about NHS Continuing Healthcare funding. Are you sorting out full time care for an older relative? Be aware that you may be given incorrect information about care fees and NHS. When it comes to NHS […]
Read moreHow to appeal against a NHS Continuing Healthcare assessment
Update November 2020: Continuing Healthcare funding has been a source of much frustration for some years. Now the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman has released a report based on the cases brought to them and resolved over the last three years. The ombudsman found that failings in care and support planning has resulted in individuals and […]
Read more