Carers have been urged to check if they are missing out on any benefits that could boost their income.
SNP MP Owen Thompson asked the Government if energy ministers have looked at “providing additional support to carers to help with rising energy costs”.
The energy price cap fell from the start of April, with average bills for a dual-fuel household now at £1,690 a year.
Energy minister Amanda Solloway said in response to the question: “Energy prices have fallen significantly since last winter, and the Q2 2024 price cap has fallen by nearly 60 percent since Q1 2023 when the price cap peaked.
“The Government’s cost-of-living support package between 2022 to 2025 is worth £108billion, or £3,800 per household on average, one of the largest support packages in Europe.”
She encouraged carers to check if they can claim any benefits to help towards their costs.
The minister explained: “Carer’s Allowance is also available to provide a measure of financial support to those not able to work full time due to their caring responsibilities.The rate of Carer’s Allowance is £81.90 a week.
“In addition to Carer’s Allowance, carers on low incomes can claim income-related benefits, such as Universal Credit and Pension Credit.”
Ms Solloway also said carers may be able to claim the Warm Home Discount, a one-off £150 discount on electricity bills available to certain low-income households.
This benefit is available through certain suppliers signed up to the scheme, with the discount deducted from a person’s bills rather than going out as a payment.
Benefit payments increased 6.7 percent this month including Universal Credit and Pension Credit.
Pension Credit is available to people of state pension age, providing a weekly top-up for a claimant’s income, up to £218.15 for single people and up to £332.95 for couples.
Claiming the benefit also provides access to other support such as council tax discounts and Housing Benefit.
Claimants aged 75 and over can also get a free TV licence, saving them £169.50 a year.
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