Caring for someone can be hard work. You may be caring for someone by:
- helping with daily tasks like washing, dressing or eating
- managing their appointments
- organising their paperwork
- keeping them company when they feel lonely
- providing emotional support
Taking a break and time for yourself is vital. The carer wellbeing break payment could help you do this.
It is a one-off £300 payment which you can use to take a well-deserved break from your caring role.
Who can apply for a carer wellbeing break payment
The carer wellbeing break payment is open to carers who:
- are 18 years or older
- look after someone who lives in Surrey
- have not had a previous carer's payment, for example from a GP
- have not used a carer break offer
- are not getting support from us
The person you look after must be:
- 18 years or older
- live in Surrey
- not getting support from us
How to apply
The quickest way to apply for the payment is online.
Apply for a carer wellbeing break payment
If you are not able to use our online form, you can contact us by telephone or email. See Contact Adult Social Care.
What happens after you have applied
Our Information and Advice team will contact you to talk through what you have told us. They will ask you for 2 forms of identification. One item must be from list A and 1 item from list B.
List A - proof of identity
- valid, current passport
- valid, current photocard driving licence
- birth or adoption certificate
- current biometric residence permit
- Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) letters
List B - proof of address
- Council Tax bill dated in the last 12 months
- bank or building society statement dated in the last 3 months
- utility bill – gas, electricity, water or phone bill dated in the last 3 months
- benefits statement dated in the last 3 months
- DWP letters
The team will explain how to share this during the call.
Once they have confirmed that you are eligible for the payment, they will send you a payment card by mail. The letter will include instructions for how to use the card.
How you can use the payment
You can spend the money in any way that helps you to take a break. This may include participating in a wellbeing activity or exercise. You may wish to take up a hobby or learn a new skill, take a day trip or book a relaxing overnight break. For more details see How you can use your payment.
What you cannot use the payment for
You cannot use the payment to fund:
- repay debt
- pay for food, utilities or rent
- anything illegal
What to do if you need more support
If you need longer-term support, think about doing a carer's assessment. Find out more about this at Assessing your needs as a carer.