Types of costs you can claim

The Care Act 2014 is a law. It tells local councils what they need to do if someone needs care or support. 

The Care Act 2014 says that everyone is different and has different care and support needs. This means that one person's claims for disability related expenses can be different to someone else's.

You can claim for specialist items.

Specialist items are things like:

• A community alarm system to help keep you safe

• Special washing powder and laundry that you need because of your disability

• Extra money that you have to spend on clothes and shoes because of your disability

• Special food you need to eat because of your illness

• If you have to pay for extra bedding due to incontinence

Example

Mrs Smith has a community alarm because she has mental health issues. It costs £240 per year, which equals £20 per month. We counted this extra cost and Mrs Smith will pay less for her care.

You can also claim for some services:

• Cost of heating or metered water if this is more than most people spend

• Cost of looking after your garden or cleaning your house if you can't do this and have to pay someone else to do it for you

• Money you have to spend to buy or repair equipment you need because of your disability. This could be for things like a wheelchair.

• Broadband (internet access)

Example

Mr Jones can't clean his bungalow and doesn't have anyone to help. Mr Jones spends £30 each month on a cleaner. Mr Jones showed us the receipts. We counted this extra cost and Mr Jones will pay less for his care.

How to claim disability related expenses