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.
The right to ask your GP practice to identify you as a carer
Why should you tell your GP that you are a carer?
Caring can take its toll on an individual’s health and wellbeing, and it is important to tell your GP so that they can support your health needs and work with you to address the health needs of the person you care for.
Requesting a carer’s assessment
If you’re over 18 and provide regular unpaid care for someone, you’re entitled to a carer’s assessment - it doesn’t matter how much or what sort of care you provide.
Learn moreBeing consulted when the person you care for is discharged from hospital
The Health and Care Act 2022 means that NHS hospital Trusts in England have a duty to ensure that unpaid carers are involved as soon as feasible when plans for the patient’s discharge are being made. This applies to all carers of adults needing care and support following hospital discharge.
Learn moreThe right (and choice) to request a free flu jab
If you are a carer, you may be eligible for the flu vaccine if you are the main carer of someone who is elderly or disabled and who would be at risk if you got sick, or you receive a carer’s allowance.
Learn moreThe right to unpaid leave from your employment
The Carer’s Leave Act 2023 came into effect on the 6th of April 2024. This piece of legislation allows employees to take one week’s (a week is defined by your contract with your employer) unpaid leave per year.
Learn moreThe right to request flexible working
The flexible working Act 2023 gives employees the right to ask their employer for flexible working from day one of employment. Flexibility in working hours could help balance work and caring.
Learn moreProtection against discrimination or harassment
The Equality Act 2010 is a law aimed at stopping discrimination and helping to encourage equality. This legislation protects you against direct discrimination or harassment because of your caring responsibilities.
Learn more