Carers Grants
What Is A Carers Grant?
What Can The Carers Grant Be Used For?
A Carers Grant is a one-off payment to help unpaid carers with the impact of caring. It can be used for things that support and improve your mental health & wellbeing, give you a break, or help you move forward.
The grant cannot be used for:
- Rent payments
- Council tax payments
- Mortgage payments
- Outstanding debt or fees associated with debt
- University/college accommodation costs
- Legal fees
- Fines and penalties
- Any statutory payments not covered above
- Anything that would normally be funded by health and social care
- Utility bills – gas, electricity, water, wi-fi and telephone bills
Examples of what you can apply for:
- Day trips and activities
- Stress-relieving therapies
- A holiday or break
- Equipment for the home to help with daily tasks
- A gym membership
- Training to help with improving your confidence, skills, knowledge or job prospects
If you're unsure, contact us
Who Are Grants For?
Unpaid Carers from age 4, living in Bedfordshire and registered with a Bedford Borough or Central Bedfordshire GP surgery can make one grant application in 12 months and can apply for either:
An Individual grant:
For one Carer only. The maximum amount you can apply is £275. There is an option to add a Blue Sky Card onto your grant.
A Household grant:
For multiple Carers living at the same address. You will need to apply jointly on one application. Each Carer can apply for their own items or services. The maximum amount you can apply for is £375. There is an option to add a Blue Sky Card onto your grant.
The grant is not means-tested and does not affect your benefits. It is kindly funded by the NHS and our independent panel reviews each application and makes awards against the criteria. Grant applications are reviewed monthly and applicants will be informed of the decision by email or post.
Bereavement Grant for Former Carers – this is available to help you find your way following the death of the person you have been caring for up to one year after your bereavement.
How To Apply For A Carers Grant
Carers can apply for a grant online using our application form.
- Read the criteria (link below) and ensure you meet it before making an application.
- Complete the application form below. The application form will be closed once we reach a certain capacity and we will reopen it at the beginning of the following month.
- On the application form, boxes marked with an * must be filled or you will not be able to submit your application.
- You must provide evidence of your caring status such as medical/diagnosis letters, DWP letters of the person you support, benefits, Universal Credit adjustments, Carers Allowance, Attendance Allowance and Carers Credit.
Please have all details ready before filling in your application form.
Please note: Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we cannot guarantee everyone will be awarded a grant. Please fill out your application with as much information as possible.
If you have any questions or need any support with your application, please contact us at grants@blueskycarerssupport.uk or 01234 673810
Grant forms are available as a hard copy for Carers who are digitally excluded, please email grants@blueskycarerssupport.uk or call us on 01234 673810.
Carers Grant Criteria
Please read the current Carers Grant criteria, before completing your application.
Carers Grant Application Form
We accept a certain amount of Carers Grant applications per month. Once we reach a certain capacity the application form will close and we will not accept any further grant applications that month. The form will be reopened at the beginning of the following month.
If you have received an NHS Carers Grant previously, or have recently had an application declined, please note that we cannot accept applications before the month you are eligible and will be asked to reapply when you are. To check if you are eligible to apply, please call 01234 673810 or email grants@blueskycarerssupport.uk.