Research carried out by Carers UK reveals that nearly 60% of carers miss out on benefits for over two years because they do not know they are entitled to those benefits. By helping carers to understand and claim what they are entitled to, a huge difference to their lives could be achieved. For example, 4 out of 10 callers to Carers UK’s Adviceline improved their incomes as a result of that one phone call!
Carers UK has published a new guide providing specialist advice on carers’ rights and benefits. The publication is called “Looking after Someone” and Ceredigion County Council has organised events where people can obtain copies of it.
In northern Ceredigion, there will be an Information Stand in the foyer of the Ceredigion County Council offices at Canolfan Rheidol, Aberystwyth from Wednesday 1, to Friday 3 December 2010. In addition, on Thursday 2 December between 10:30am and 12:00 noon, a Coffee and Cake morning for carers will be held in Room 2 at Canolfan Rheidol. There will be an opportunity to discuss the new publication over a cuppa. Anyone interested in attending the Coffee and Cake morning is asked to telephone 01970 633564 beforehand, during weekday office hours, so that staff can ensure there are sufficient refreshments available.
In southern Ceredigion, an Open Information Day will be held at Cardigan’s Age Concern Offices at 38 Pendre, between 10:00am and 3:00pm on Friday 3 December 2010. A range of voluntary organisations will be represented and will be accessible for people to talk to over a cup of tea or coffee. The telephone number of Cardigan’s Age Concern office is 01239 615777.
Individuals wishing to obtain a copy of Carers UK’s new publication, “Looking after Someone” but who are not able to attend one of the events referred to can order a free copy of Carers UK’s new publication by telephoning 0808 808 7777 or visiting the website www.carersuk.org
Carers Rights Day is all about getting information to carers. The event is organised on an annual basis, firstly in order to increase the take up of benefits – it’s estimated that millions of carers’ benefits aren’t claimed each year. Secondly, the event aims to ensure carers know their rights – every year, more than 2 million people become carers, many don’t identify themselves as carers and miss out on support. Even those who have been caring for years sometimes aren’t aware of their entitlements. Thirdly, the event seeks to guide carers towards practical support. It’s not just about benefits. Carers often do not realise practical support is available, such as “replacement care” to give the carer time off; help with lifting and bathing; equipment and home adaptations that can be vital in protecting carers’ health. Lastly, the event aims to raise awareness of the needs of carers. Carers Rights Day raises awareness of the needs of carers amongst the general public, amongst decision makers and amongst professionals.
It is vital that carers claim the benefits to which they are entitled because Carer’s Allowance can help protect basic State Pension entitlements for those carers who are under State Pension Age. Carer’s Allowance will help carers to build up a second pension pot.
Older carers are vulnerable to missing out on extra financial help because the UK benefits system is so complicated. Indeed, nearly 8 out of 10 carers say they have become financially worse off since they became a carer. Long-term carers are more likely to find themselves on means-tested benefits and financial worry can affect carers’ health.
It is vital that carers know what practical services and support they can get as those services can give some carers a choice as to whether they could continue working or not. Obtaining the right equipment and adaptations can give the person they care for more independence – and make things easier for carers. Services and equipment can help protect the carer’s health from deteriorating an obtaining a break can help carers keep up social contacts and have time off – things which everyone values.
In difficult financial times and with public services under pressure, there has never been a more important time for carers to know their rights and access all the financial and practical support they are entitled to.
This year, Carers Rights Day is about getting carers the information and advice they need to claim benefits, to get a carer’s assessment and to access support. In addition, the new Equality Act also gives carers new protection from discrimination in both the workplace and when they are receiving goods and services. It is important that carers and carers groups know about these rights and know what to do if they face discrimination as a result of their caring responsibilities.
Facts about carers:
- There are nearly 6 million carers in the UK;
- 4 million carers are of working age;
- 3 million carers are paid employees as well as caring;
- 2.3 million adults become carers every year;
- 3 in 5 of us will become carers at some point in our lives
- 1 in 8 adults is currently a carer;
- 1.25 million carers provide 50 or more hours care per week
- 1 in 5 carers has given up paid work to care;
- Of those carers providing 50 hours care per week, 20% are suffering from poor health, double the proportion for the non-carer population;
- There are nearly 6 million carers in the UK and 2.3 million people become carers every year;
- Almost three quarters of carers suffer financially as a result of caring. Many carers simply do not realise that they are entitled to any help;
- Shockingly, millions of pounds of Carer’s Allowance are not claimed each year, while carers across the country cut back on essentials like food, clothes and heating, to make ends meet;
- Carers may be missing out on a range of other discounts and benefits like Income Support, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit.
