Benefits and assessments

We understand how overwhelming and difficult it can be to navigate the benefits system. Many carers simply don’t have the time or the know-how to access the benefits and financial support they are entitled to.

The Barnsley Carers Service team is here to answer any query you have around benefits and assessments and to help you in any way we can. We can advise you on which benefits you may be entitled to, help you to fill out claim forms and point you in the right direction to access additional support.

Some of the things we can help with include:

  • Disability Living Allowance for children, Personal Independent Payments, Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance
  • Carer’s Assessment
  • Respite Care
  • Blue badge and transport
  • Assistive technology and disability equipment

Need more info? Leave your details and we’ll get back in touch.

Need more info? Leave your details and we’ll get back in touch.


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    Cost of living support

    We know that many unpaid carers are struggling with the cost of living right now. Caring for someone often comes with additional costs and we understand that many carers find themselves struggling and in hardship as a result. You might not realise that you’re entitled to some help.

    Barnsley Carers Service can help signpost you to the right services, grants, and benefits to make sure that you can access the financial support you are entitled to.

    We work in partnership with professional bodies to stay up to date with what support is available. Our team can advise you on where to go for additional help, and even assist you to complete benefits applications and forms if needed.

    Barnsley Council’s More Money In Your Pocket is a fantastic resource with practical advice and links on where to find local and national help. It covers everything from help with energy bills, to food support and help with housing costs.

    As part of Cloverleaf Advocacy, Barnsley Carers Service has also joined the Carers Poverty Coalition. Along with 100 other national and local organisations, we are campaigning to build awareness, improve the benefits system for unpaid carers and end poverty through policy changes.

    Financial clinics
    Benefits and Assessment Support
    Health and wellbeing
    Carers Poverty Coalition

    Need more info? Leave your details and we’ll get back in touch.

    Need more info? Leave your details and we’ll get back in touch.


      I agree with the handling of my data in accordance with the Barnsley Carer Service privacy-policy.

      Financial clinics

      Coming soon…

      New for 2023! We are planning to hold local financial clinics once every three months for unpaid carers in Barnsley. These free drop-in clinics will be hosted in easily accessible locations.

      Working with trained experts from recognised professional services, we will be able to offer practical advice and guidance on financial matters relating to your caring role such as:

      • Tax and benefits
      • Allowances
      • Grants
      • Pensions
      • Debt advice
      • Help with the cost of living
      • Budgeting

       
      Keep an eye on our events page for updates

      Benefits and Assessment Support
      Cost of living support

      Need more info? Leave your details and we’ll get back in touch.

      Need more info? Leave your details and we’ll get back in touch.


        I agree with the handling of my data in accordance with the Barnsley Carer Service privacy-policy.

        Information / Resources (downloads & links)

        Carer health and wellbeing

        We know that being a carer can be both rewarding and isolating. It’s vital that you know where to get the right support to make sure that your own health and wellbeing don’t suffer in your caring role.

        We’re here to help you access support, groups, courses, and wellbeing sessions to help give you that bit of headspace. Looking after your own health and wellbeing is important for you and the person you care for. All Barnsley Carers Services are free and confidential. If you’d like to find out more, please contact us.

        Barnsley Council
        Live Well Barnsley
        Butterflies ‘Give Carers a Break’ group
        Dementia Friendly Barnsley
        Yorkshire cancer community groups
        HOME – early support mental health hub
        Barnsley activities and groups
        Healthwatch Barnsley
        SouthWest Yorkshire Partnership – All of us in mind
        Barnsley Hospice
        Barnsley HealthCare Federation
        Better arts and crafts groups

        image of two hands holding a red heart with a white cross against a blue painted background

        Dementia

        We recognise that caring for a loved one, family member or friend with dementia can bring its own set of unique challenges. We understand that the support you need changes over time and can often be hard to predict. They are many services and support networks available to support you as a carer and the person you are caring for. Barnsley Carers Service can help to guide you in accessing these resources. All our services are free and confidential, please contact us if you’d like to know more.

        Barnsley Council: Dementia
        Butterflies ‘Give Carers a Break’ group
        Barnsley dementia action alliance
        Dementia day care: Live Well Barnsley | Care2Care Services Ltd
        Crossroads Barnsley: Crossroads Caring for Carers
        Dementia Friendly Barnsley
        Dementia support Barnsley | Alzheimer’s Society
        BIADS Barnsley Independent Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support
        NHS Barnsley Memory Service: Memory service (Barnsley) – South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
        Barnsley Hospice – Providing specialist compassionate care for patients and those close to them

        image shows an older person being comforted by the hand of a carer or family member

        Digital and technology

        Staying connected and being able to access services are vital tools in supporting you in your caring role.

        We understand that finding out where to go online or how to use digital technologies can feel overwhelming, so we’ve pulled together a handy list of resources to try and help you on your way.

        If you need help to get online, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help. All Barnsley Carers Services are free and confidential.

        Barnsley Council
        Jointly app for Barnsley Carers

        photo shows an older lady sat on a sofa using her mobile phone

        Grief and bereavement

        Losing someone that we care for affects everyone differently. We understand that during such a difficult time you may need help to manage both the emotional and practical demands that come with that loss.

        Our team is on hand to guide you on how to access the right support for your particular needs. We also offer continued assistance and support once you have stopped caring, for whatever reason.

        Barnsley Carers Services are free and confidential. If you’d like to find out more, please contact us.

        Barnsley Council
        Barnsley Hospice
        Amparo
        Henry’s Hope
        Barnsley Bereavement Services

        image of a group of white candles lit with a flame against a white background

        Learning disabilities and neurodivergent

        If you are caring for a loved one with learning disabilities and/or a neurological condition such as Autism, ADHD and other neurodivergent conditions we can support you with financial, health and wellbeing advice and practical guidance to help you access the services you need to lighten the load.

        From local support groups to national resources and even benefits assessments, if our team can’t help with your specific requirements, we will signpost you to the service that best suits your needs.

        Barnsley Council – Learning disability supported activities
        Live Well Barnsley
        Barnsley safe places
        Thursday’s Voice group for adults living with a learning disability and autism
        My Barnsley Too disability forum
        Mencap Barnsley – Helping local Barnsley people with learning disabilities lead more fulfilled lives
        Dial
        Barnsley Adult disability service
        Inclusion North – inclusion for people with a learning disability or autism
        Voyage Care – Specialist support for people with learning disabilities, autism and complex needs

        image of a person waving to the camera wearing a sunflower lanyard showing that they have a learning disability or are neurodivergent

        Mental Health and substance misuse

        Caring for a friend, family member or loved one with mental health needs, drug and alcohol issues, or dementia brings many unique challenges.

        Barnsley Carers Service provides a specialist service delivered by trained professionals to offer emotional and practical support to carers like you.

        Our service is free and confidential. If you’d like to find out more, please contact us.

        Rotherham and Barnsley Mind
        Butterflies carers dementia support
        Barnsley Mental Health Services
        Barnsley Independent Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support – BIADS | Help for today – Hope for tomorrow
        Dementia Friendly Barnsley
        Barnsley Recovery Steps – Barnsley Recovery Steps
        Linwood House: Alcohol and Drug Rehab in South Yorkshire

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        Parent carers of SEND children

        If you are caring for a child aged 0-25 with SEND (special educational needs and disability) we can support you as a parent carer. We work with local authorities and other nonprofit organisations and support groups across Barnsley to help parent carers to access the practical and emotional support they need and are entitled to.

        We can help with benefits and assessment checks, financial advice and support, counselling, and peer support groups. If our team can’t assist with your specific requirements, we will signpost you to the service that best suits your needs. All Barnsley Carers Services are free and confidential.

        Barnsley Council: Children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
        Barnsley Local Offer: Synergy
        Barnsley SENDIASS advice and support
        Dial
        Barnsley Family Centres
        Talkin Tarn Community Group
        Compass Be Young Person/Children mental health team
        Child and adolescent mental health service (CAMHS) (Barnsley)
        Live Well Barnsley

        photo of a child with additional needs in a wheelchair being helped by an adult using a phone

        Working carers

        It’s estimated that around 1 in 7 employees in the UK currently juggles work with their caring role. Carers UK put that number somewhere in the region of 5 million people. It’s good to know that you’re not alone, but we also want to make sure that you know your rights as a working carer.

        We can guide you through how to request flexible working and time off for caring duties as well as offering training and upskilling to boost your skills and help you to fulfil your own goals and ambitions.

        Barnsley Council: Support for carers
        Live Well Barnsley

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