Disability Information UKPlain-language information, rights and support

Money, grants and practical help for carers

Beyond the main benefits, a range of grants, discounts and practical schemes can help carers with specific costs.

Last reviewed
1 June 2026
Next review due
1 December 2026

Carer's Allowance or Carer Support Payment is only part of the financial picture. Grants, discounts and local schemes can help with specific costs such as energy bills, equipment or short breaks.

Grants and one-off help

  • Carers Trust, Turn2us and other charities run grant schemes for carers facing specific costs, such as a broken appliance or a short break.
  • Local welfare assistance schemes, run by councils, can provide emergency help with essentials.
  • Some energy suppliers offer a Priority Services Register and additional support for households with a disabled or seriously ill person.

Discounts and reduced costs

  • A Carer's Card, where available locally, can bring discounts at shops, leisure centres and some transport providers.
  • Council Tax discounts and disregards can apply where someone in the household is severely mentally impaired or where care-related adaptations have been made; check with your council.
  • Some transport providers and attractions offer a free or discounted companion ticket for carers.

Checklist

  • Search Turn2us or a similar grants search tool for grants relevant to your situation.
  • Ask your council about local welfare assistance and Council Tax discounts.
  • Register for your energy supplier's Priority Services Register if relevant.
  • Ask about a local Carer's Card and what discounts it offers.
  • Get a full benefits check to make sure you are not missing an entitlement.

Common mistakes

  • Not applying for small grants because they seem too minor to bother with.
  • Missing a Council Tax discount that the household is entitled to.
  • Not registering for the Priority Services Register, which can help in a power cut or emergency.
  • Assuming all discount schemes are UK-wide, when many are local or provider-specific.

Organisations that can help