Legal and financial advice for carers
Carers need information so they can make informed choices both for themselves and the person they care for. The most useful information and advice is the right information, at the time in which it is needed, and in a format which makes sense.
Leaflets and online information can be helpful and play a valuable role but do have their limitations.
Local carers have said that what they valued most was being able to speak to someone over the phone or have a face to face meeting with someone who would listen to them and direct them to the information they needed.
Free legal advice drop-in clinics
Derbyshire Carers Association have taken carers comments on board and have worked to arrange free legal advice clinics in partnership with Rothera Sharp Solicitors. The clinics aim to make sure local carers have access to quality advice on a wide range of legal matters.
You can get advice about issues such as paying contributions to care fees, Power of Attorney, employment rights for carers, information sharing and much more.
The Clinics are currently taking place mainly in the east of the County but phase 2 hopes to see the scheme expanded to the rest of the county in the coming months.
If you don’t live near one of the clinic venues but need legal advice, Rothera Sharp staff have said that they could speak to you on the phone to give advice or may be able to arrange an appointment at a venue near you. Please contact Derbyshire Carers on tel: 01773 833833 and ask to speak to Helen Weston who will help to arrange a phone call.
Clinic dates and venues
If you would like to visit one of the legal clinics, please contact the location of your choice to make an appointment.
Chesterfield - First Tuesday of every month, 10am to 1pm: Derbyshire Carers Association Resource Hub, South Lodge, Boythorpe Avenue, Chesterfield S40 2BF. Tel: 01246 222373 | Email: chesterfield@derbyshirecarers.co.uk
Ripley - First Tuesday of every month, 2pm to 5pm: Derbyshire Carers Association, 3 Park Road, Ripley, DE5 3EF. Tel: 01773 833833 | Email: info@derbyshirecarers.co.uk
Derby - Fourth Tuesday of every month, 12pm to 5pm: 66-68 Peters Street, Derby, DE1 1SN. Tel: 01332 200002 | Email: derby@derbyshirecarers.co.uk
Long Eaton - Please ring to arrange: 43 Market Place, Long Eaton, NG10 1JL. Tel: 0115 9734111 | enquiries@rotherasharp.co.uk
Financial advice
Planning for future care and support needs can be complicated and the cost of care services can be expensive. Taking independent professional advice may help you and your family to identify the most suitable and cost effective solutions.
There are a large number of organisations that will provide free general advice about the funding of care and support. These are a good place to start if you are looking for information and want to see what sort of options are available.
- Money Helper Tel: 0800 138 7777 or visit: www.moneyhelper.org.uk
- Age UK Tel: 0800 169 6565 or visit: www.ageuk.org.uk/moneymatters
- Citizens Advice Bureau visit: www.adviceguide.org.uk
- Paying for Care visit: www.payingforcare.org
Buying independent financial advice
If you need more specialist or in-depth financial advice, you may wish to buy independent financial advice from a professional. Derbyshire County Council’s Adult Care department works with Trading Standards to ensure that there are a number of financial advisers available in Derbyshire that you can contact to help you look at financial options and work out what would best suit your circumstances.
These advisers are independent of the county council, but are members of the Trusted Trader scheme.
Advisers can advise you on a range of financial issues including:
- Purchasing an immediate needs annuity
- Renting out a property
- Equity release
- Savings
- Investments
- Deferred payment agreements.
The council’s Independent Financial Advice leaflet has top tips and guidance on choosing an advisor.
Advice on benefits
The Derbyshire County Council welfare rights team can help you to find out about the benefits you are entitled to and how to claim. They can also help if you don't agree with a decision made about your benefit claim, including preparing appeals and representing you at tribunal hearings. You
Phone the helpline on tel: 01629 531535 between 11am and 4:30pm Mon, Tue, Thurs and Fri.
or email: welfarebenefits@derbyshire.gov.uk
The service provides factsheets about all types of benefits and you can find out about benefits for carers and parent carers.
