If you’re caring for someone, managing a health condition, or supporting a loved one through illness or disability, it can be difficult to know where to turn for help. Whether you’re balancing caring responsibilities alongside work, adjusting to later life, or feeling overwhelmed by the emotional or financial impact, caba is here to support you.
We offer free and confidential practical, emotional and financial support for members of the ICAEW community, and their families.
who do we help?
Carers
We class carers as people who provide unpaid support to someone who couldn’t manage without their help. This could include help with daily tasks, personal care, medication, appointments, or emotional support. You may not see yourself as a carer, but still fall into this category.
People living with an illness or health condition
If you're living with an illness or health condition that affects your daily life, wellbeing, and ability to work or carry out normal activities, we can provide support. This might be a long-term condition, or a recent diagnosis.
People living with a disability
We support people who are living with a physical, sensory, cognitive, or mental health impairment that has a long-term impact on day-to-day life. This can include conditions that are visible or non-visible, and may vary in severity or impact over time.
‘’When I first started to understand the extent of my disability, it was pretty daunting. Knowing that caba was there has been hugely reassuring. It could have been an isolating time in my life, but I never felt alone.’’
need help navigating life as a carer or person with a disability or illness?
You don't have to know what kind of support you need.
Get in touch with our team today by phone or email and we'll help you understand your next steps and what help might be available.
how we can support you
Whether you're caring for someone, or living with a disability or illness, there are various support options available through us.
benefits guidance
To help you understand any benefits you may be entitled to, and how to navigate applications.
financial support
Such as debt advice and financial grants to help you manage any financial challenges.
emotional support
Counselling with a qualified counsellor to help you manage your mental health.
financial support
We can provide means-tested financial support to help you pay for vital items related to your disability, illness, or needs as a carer. This can include:
- specialist technology and equipment like a stair lift
- adapting your home to make it accessible and safe
- mobility aids such as a wheelchair or electric mobility scooter
- contributions towards the cost of carers coming to the home
- contributions towards care home top-up fees
- temporary respite care so that you can take a break
- essential living expenses you may struggle to afford
Our financial support is provided as a grant, so you do not need to pay it back.
care assessments
When you request support from the NHS or social services, you or the person you care for may be assessed to determine needs. These assessments are carried out by local authorities, but we can support with the process.
We can help you prepare for that process by explaining what to expect, guiding you step by step, and answering common questions. This way, you feel more informed and ready for a calmer, more productive assessment.
ready to get the support you might be missing? get in touch
If any of our options resonate with you - or if you just want to find out how or if we can help - get in touch and we'll take care of the rest.
got a question? find the answer here
Am I a carer?
A carer is someone who looks after a family member, partner or friend who needs help due to illness, being frail, having a disability, mental health problem or addiction and they couldn’t cope without that help.
Who is eligible for support?
We support past and present members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales (ICAEW), ACA students, ICAEW staff members, and the family and carers of members and students.
Not sure if you’re eligible? Use our interactive eligibility tool to check if you or your family could get support.
Will information I give to caba remain confidential?
We provide confidential and impartial advice and support. Everything you tell us stays with us in strict confidence, unless we have serious concerns about your safety. We won't disclose any of your details to a third party organisation without informing you first and we never share client information with ICAEW. For full details on how we process your data please refer to our privacy statement.
How can caba support me with my debts?
We provide debt advice and can help you explore options to help manage your debt. We can also help negotiate with creditors over repayments and support you in basic legal proceedings if needed. In some circumstances, we can consider helping you clear priority arrears. Please get in touch to see how we can support your situation.
How long does it take to receive financial support?
It depends on the individual situation, but we can work very quickly if it’s an emergency.
download our financial support flowchart
What do I need to do to access support?
Just get in touch - call us on +44 (0)1788 556366, email us or fill in the enquiry form.
If you've not found the answer to your query, you can get in touch with us directly to talk through our services, eligibility, or anything else.