There are 5.8 million unpaid carers in the UK at the moment, with 1.7 million of these providing 50 or more hours of care each week. These people provide an incredible service, helping friends and family members in a variety of ways – often to their own detriment.
For example, research from Carers UK and WPI Economics found that 1.3 million unpaid carers in the UK live in poverty, while 400,000 live in deep poverty.
Some 61 per cent worry about living costs and how they’ll manage in the future, 27 per cent struggle to make ends meet and 28 per cent cut back on essentials such as food and heating.
Both physical and mental health can be adversely affected by taking on the roles and responsibilities associated with care.
Figures show that one in four carers aren’t in good health, while 70 per cent of carers say they have had a long-term illness, disability or physicla/mental health condition.
Further research, this time from the Centre for Care at the University of Sheffield, has found that unpaid carers are now providing more hours of care than ever before, looking after vulnerable family members, friends and neighbours who face challenges related to older age, disability or long-term illness.
The university’s Dr Maria Petrillo said: “Being able to compare the data over time shows us that the proportion of people providing unpaid care for a vulnerable family member or friend for over 50 hours a week has increased over the last ten years.
“That’s more hours than an average person will work at a fulltime job, yet unpaid carers often do this out of love or necessity.”
As such, now’s the time to ask:
How can unpaid carers be supported?
There are various benefits and sources of financial support that you can investigate if you are an unpaid carer.
Carer’s allowance
You could be eligible to receive £83.30 a week if you provide at least 35 hours of care a week. You don’t have to be related to or live with the person you’re supporting, but other benefits may be affected.
Carer’s credit
To access carer’s credit, you will need to be aged over 16 but under state pension age and provide care for one or more people for a minimum of 20 hours per week.
The person/people you care for will need to be in receipt of certain benefits in order for you to be eligible, such as the attendance allowance or the disability living allowance.
Universal credit
You may be eligible for universal credit if you’re on a low income or need assistance with your living costs. This could be because you’re out of work, unable to work or working part time.
In order to claim, you need to be over the age of 18 (with some exceptions for those aged 16 or 17), be under state pension age and have less than £16,000 in money, savings and investments.
