Your rights as an unpaid carer
Becoming a carer to a friend or family member is something that can happen overnight. Even if a gradual process, most carers are not aware of the rights bestowed on them once the carer status becomes applicable.
Having an awareness of your rights as a carer will only serve to improve your caring situation and help in making the best possible personal and work decisions. As we know, caring impacts all areas of life from health to finances to life choices.
Thankfully, there is legislation designed to improve carer’s wellbeing and independence. For example, the Care Act 2014, which came into force in April 2015. The Care Act gives adult carers of adults the right to support and protection from their local authority.
Young carers and parent-carers of children have protection under the Children and Families Act 2014.
Watch our short animation highlighting your rights.
Gemma, a carer who recently discovered what she was entitled to said:
“Thanks to Carers’ Support making me aware of my rights as an unpaid carer, for my mother who has dementia, I’ve been able to register as a carer with my GP, get a free flu jab and request unpaid Carers’ Leave, all in the space of a week! My employer has been so supportive and I know that I can request flexible working if I need it.
All these actions will enable me to provide the best possible care for my mother and achieve a better work/life balance.”
Knowing your rights can give you extra confidence when requesting certain services. In highlighting these rights, our aim is for you to look after yourself and connect.