What benefits can you claim when your partner moves into a care home?

Your partner moving into a care home is life changing and there will be many adjustments you need to make both before and after the move in day. It may be the last thing on your mind, but one of the key things you should consider is your finances. 

There are certain benefits you may be able to claim once you are living on your own.

Being prepared for any changes to your financial situation, including the benefits you are entitled to, will help you to avoid any unnecessary stress. It will also make it possible to focus more on the positives of your new situation.

First steps

Before you start thinking about any changes to your current entitlement or what new benefits you might be eligible for, you first need to let the relevant people know your partner has moved to a care home. 

This is really important as not declaring your change in circumstances could mean that you continue to receive payments you are no longer entitled to. If this does happen, you will need to pay this money back in the future. 

Informing the relevant authorities will ensure your entitlement is adjusted accordingly and will prevent any costly mistakes being made. 

Depending on the financial support you receive, you might need to contact:

• Your local authority
• HMRC
• The Pension Service
• The Disability Benefit Unit

Once you have informed the relevant people your partner has moved to a care home, you will then be reassessed as a single person. This is simply based on the fact you are now living separately and not a reflection of your relationship with your loved one. 

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Bear in mind that your partner moving into a care home doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be worse off financially. Although your current eligibility may be affected, you could be entitled to alternative financial assistance.

Benefits you might be entitled to when your partner moves to a care home

There are a range of benefits you may be entitled to, both before and after your partner moves to a care home. Your eligibility will depend on your individual circumstances. 

Some examples of benefits include:

Pension Credit

Pension Credit offers additional income to help cover every day costs. This is separate from your State Pension and you’ll be eligible if you are State Pension age and have a low income. 

If you were already receiving Pension Credit when you lived with your partner, you will likely still be eligible. However, because Pension Credit takes into account any income from your partner, you may need to be reassessed, or reapply, now that you no longer live together to ensure you receive your full entitlement. 

Pension Credit is based on your income, but the criteria differs depending on individual circumstances. 

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

PIP is available for people aged between 16 years old and State Pension age who have an illness or disability and require long term care. The payment is intended to help towards the extra costs people face in everyday life. 

There are two components to PIP: Daily Living and Mobility. If you are eligible, your needs will be assessed to determine which category you will be entitled to, and this will determine the amount of your payment. 

Universal Credit (UC)

Universal Credit is a monthly payment to help with living costs if you are unable to work or receive a low income.

To be eligible you’ll need to be aged over 18 and below State Pension age and generally have less than £16,000 in savings or investments. 

If you received Universal Credit before your partner moved to a care home, you’ll likely still be eligible, but you will need to inform them of your new circumstances. 

Attendance Allowance

Attendance Allowance is available for people over State Pension age with a disability or terminal illness. It is not means tested and is intended to help towards the cost of care.

There are two rates of Attendance Allowance available based on the level of care that you need, this will determine the amount of payment you receive. 

Your partner might also be eligible for Attendance Allowance in a care home.

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

ESA provides financial support to people under State Pension age who are unable to work, or have limited capability to work, because of an illness or disability. 

To be eligible for New Style ESA, you will need to have made full National Insurance contributions through employment or self-employment for two years. 

Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)

SSP is a set weekly payment you receive from your employer when you take time off sick. To be eligible, you’ll need to have been off sick for four consecutive days, this can be paid for up to 28 weeks. 

Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB)

If you have a disability or illness that was caused by an event that happened at work, then you might be eligible for financial support through IIDB. This benefit is paid weekly and entitlement is based on how much your disability or illness affects you.

Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)

Available for veterans of the British Armed Forces, the Armed Forces Independence Payment offers financial support to those who have suffered an injury as a result of their service.

To be eligible, you will also need to be in receipt of, or entitled to, a Guaranteed Income Payment through the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme. 

What happens to your pension when your partner moves into a care home?

It’s normal to worry about finances when your partner moves to a care home. For many people protecting their pension may be one of the first things that comes to mind.

If you receive a Basic State Pension or the New State Pension, you will still continue to get these payments. However, if you received an additional amount for your partner, then this will stop when they move into a care home. 

If you have any concerns or questions, it could be a good idea to contact the Pension Service. You can do that online here where there is also a phone number available.

Further help and support

If you are unsure about what financial support you might be eligible for, there are a number of benefits calculators available that can help you find out what financial support you could be entitled to. 

You can find more information here.