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Where we refer to phone numbers which begin with 0845, they will be charged at the local rate based on current charges from BT landlines. Charges for calls from mobile phones and other networks may be different.
The leaflet Sick or disabled (SD1) is a basic guide to benefits and tax credits for people of all ages with a physical or mental illness or disability – and for people who look after them.
The leaflet Caring for someone? (SD4) is a quick guide to Carer’s Allowance and other benefits for carers.
The leaflet Voluntary National Insurance contributions (CA08) explains National Insurance contributions.
You can get copies of these leaflets from your nearest social security office, pension centre or Jobcentre (details are in your phone book). You can also see these guides in the resource centre on The Pension Service website at www.thepensionservice.gov.uk
Carer’s Allowance
How to get more information
The Benefit Enquiry Line for ill and disabled people and their carers offers a free phone service on 0800 88 22 00. The line is open from 8.30am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday, and from 9am to 1pm on Saturday. If you have speech or hearing difficulties, a textphone service is available on 0800 24 33 55.
How to claim
You can get a claim pack by phoning the Carer’s Allowance Unit on 01253 856 123 from 9am to 5pm Monday to Thursday, and from 9am to 4.30pm on Friday. If you have speech or hearing difficulties, a textphone service is available on 01772 899 489. You can also email the Carer’s Allowance Unit at ca-customer-services@dwp.gsi.gov.uk
You can also write to the Carer’s Allowance Unit, Palatine House, Lancaster Road, Preston PR1 1HB.
Home Responsibilities Protection
How to check whether you have been awarded Home Responsibilities Protection
You can contact the Inland Revenue to check whether you have been awarded Home Responsibilities Protection by calling 0845 915 8224 or 0845 915 8225. If you have speech or hearing difficulties, a textphone service is available on 0845 915 8435. The lines are open from 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Thursday, and from 8.30am to 4.30pm on Friday.
You can also write to the Inland Revenue, National Insurance Contributions Office, Caseworker DM Team, Newcastle upon Tyne NE98 1ZZ.
How to change the person who claims Child Benefit
If you are one of a couple with a child aged under 16 and you are not sure which of you might need to protect their State Pension, or if you might both need to protect your State Pensions, contact your nearest social security office, pension centre or Jobcentre (details are in your phone book). Do not contact the Child Benefit Office about this.
If you want to change the person who claims Child Benefit, get in touch with the Child Benefit Office, giving your full name and your Child Benefit reference number. You can contact the Child Benefit Office on 0845 302 1444, 8am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday. If you have speech or hearing difficulties, a textphone service is available on 0845 302 1474.You can also email child.benefit@ir.gsi.gov.uk
Or you can write to the Inland Revenue, Child Benefit Office, PO Box 1, Newcastle upon Tyne NE88 1AA.
The information within all the guides in this section has been produced by The Pension Service and is subject to Crown Copyright
The Pension Service updates this series of guides periodically. Pensions Information.com makes every effort to amend this section as soon as updates are made. To be sure you are viewing the most recent version, please refer to www.pensionguide.gov.uk/guides/download.htm
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