Help with the cost of caring

Contact are the support charity for families with disabled children. Contact help parents and carers to feel confident and informed on the challenges of raising a disabled child. They provide guidance and advice on topics such as benefits, education, health and social care services.

As well as providing online advice and information, Contact run a free listening ear service. The service offers one to one telephone appointments with a family support adviser for parent carers looking for reassurance.

Call 0808 808 3555 (Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 5:00pm).

Carers Trust are the major charity that work for and support all carers in the UK. They provide services for anyone who cares for a family member or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has a mental health condition.

If you are a carer, you can request an assessment from the adult social care team. The assessment might recommend extra support. Such as respite, help with taxi fares or gym memberships to relieve stress. During the assessment, they may also signpost you to local support groups.

In England, you can find out more about carers assessments and your local adult social care service on the NHS website.

In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, find a guide on getting an assessment in your home country on the Carers UK Website.

If you are a full time carer of somebody who receives disability benefits, you might be eligible for carers allowance.

The current carers allowance rate is £69.70 a week.