NOTE: The Time for Carers grant is currently and temporarily on hold. This is to allow staff time to process the current batch of applications. Please check the page periodically for updates regarding the status of the Time for Carers Grant.
Professionals can still submit supporting professional statements for any Time for Carers applications that have already been submitted.
The Time for Carers fund can provide an unpaid carer with a payment of up to £250 so that you can have a break from your caring role. The scheme is funded by Leeds City Council and administered by Carers Leeds.
Criteria
- You must be an unpaid Carer – someone who, without payment, provides support to a friend or family member who due to illness, frailty, disability, mental health issues or substance misuse cannot manage without their help. Any unpaid carer is potentially eligible for a grant, it is not means tested.
- Aged 16 and over.
- The carer or the person with care needs must live in the Leeds area.
- Former carers can apply for a grant up to a year after the person with care needs has died or gone into permanent residential care.
- Only one application can be made every 3 years. Where more than one carer in a household provides care for the same person, only 1 application can be made. We cannot accept multiple applications from carers who care for the same person. Applications can be made every 3 years subject to the return of receipts and funding. If receipts are not returned, you may not be eligible to apply again.
Stage One – Application
Complete the online application form which, when submitted you will receive a confirmation email, you can find this here: https://www.carersleeds.org.uk/time-for-carers-application-form/ This will tell you that your application has been submitted successfully and that we require a supporting Professional Statement to support your application (details below).
You can request support completing an application online with someone from our Admin Team if you have any difficulties completing the form online. They will complete the form on your behalf over the phone with you, you can arrange this by contacting 0113 246 8338.
Stage Two – Professional Statement
Your application must be supported by a professional who can verify your caring role.
The Professional Statement should be completed by a professional who has regular involvement with you or the person with care needs and can verify that you are the carer.
- Occupational Therapist
- Physio Therapist
- Dietitian
- Hospital Consultant
- Social Worker
- Adult Social Care Wellbeing Worker
- Social Prescriber
- Mental Health Support Worker
- Home Care Worker
- Carers Leeds Support Worker (If you are currently receiving support)
- Neighbourhood Network
- Doctor
- Your Employer (Line Manager/Supervisor/HR Officer)
- Teacher/Tutor/Special Education Needs and Disability Worker/Classroom Assistant
Some GP practices will charge patients for signing certain forms, we suggest that you ask them whether there will be a charge. Unfortunately, Carers Leeds is not able to contact your GP to ask them to waive any fees.
We are unable to chase your nominated professional for the statement and is your responsibility to ensure this form is completed. If you have any problems in obtaining a Professional Statement, or do not receive any support by a professional, we may be able to support you with this, but we would need to speak to you about your caring role.
Stage Three – Panel
Decision Panel – At busy times, it can take up to 5 months from the date we receive your application until the date you hear the outcome. All applications are considered by a Time for Carers Decision Panel, made up of Carers Leeds Volunteers and service users (carers) that meet monthly at Carers Leeds. The panel has a maximum number of applications to process at each meeting.
Once the panel has met, the Carers Leeds Admin Team will email or contact you by telephone if you do not have an email address regarding the outcome of your application. We will ask you to contact us to obtain your preferred method of payment where applications have been approved. Please note payment can take up to 3 weeks dependent on BACS/Cheque preference.
Stage Four – Receipts
We require evidence that the grant awarded is used for the purpose it was given. It is a condition of the Time for Carers grant that receipts for money spent are returned.
You will be sent a Report Back Form in the post if your application is successful. Receipts should be attached to the completed form and returned to the address on the form, or these can photographed using your phone and emailed to timeforcarers@carersleeds.org.uk
- You must return your receipts to Carers Leeds within 12 months of receiving the grant, and within 1 month of the full grant being spent.
- Receipts submitted must be for carer expenses only. However, receipts for the cost of a shared activity or accommodation will be accepted.
- Receipts must match the details of the break/holiday, activity, outing, or item requested on the application form.
- If receipts are lost, duplicate receipts should be sought, if possible. A Report Back form should still be completed giving details of why receipts are not being submitted.
Failure to provide appropriate receipts may mean that you are ineligible to apply to Time for Carers Fund in the future.
Contact
Carers Leeds Administration Team: Telephone: 0113 246 8338 or email timeforcarers@carersleeds.org.uk
FAQ’s
Carers Leeds supports unpaid carers:
Carers Advice Line: 0113 380 4300
Carers Advice Email: advice@carersleeds.org.uk