Housing
Housing Benefit reform – carers
We recognise the important work done by carers up and down the country and so we will provide an extra £60 million by 2014-15 to help fund an additional room for disabled people who have live-in but non-resident carers.
Those who need overnight care from a non-resident carer and who have a room available for the carer's use will not be affected by the extension of the shared accommodation rate from January 2012. From that date the shared accommodation rate will apply to customers aged under 35 years instead of under 25 years. We will also keep the current exemptions for those in shared accommodation for people aged between 25 and 34.
Disabled Facilities Grant
The Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) helps disabled people to live as comfortably and independently as possible in their own homes through the provision of adaptations.
The Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) was protected in the Spending Review 2010 and the national allocation to Local Authorities for the DFG will increase from £169 million in 2010-11 to £185 million in 2014-15.
- Housing for older and disadvantaged people – information about the Disabled Facilities Grant from the Department for Communities and Local Government
Cold Weather Payments
Cold Weather Payments can help people who receive certain benefits, including some disabled people, with help towards their additional heating costs during periods of very cold weather.
- Cold Weather Payments (Directgov) – who is entitled and how they are paid
- Cold Weather Payments – Frequently Asked Questions (29KB)
