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Caring for someone can mean different different things, such as helping someone with; their washing, getting dressed, eating, taking them to appointments or offering emotional support.

You are a carer if the person you look after is a friend, relative or neighbour who:

  • has a physical disability
  • has a learning disability
  • has a physical or mental illness
  • is considered frail
  • needs support due to substance misuse (alcohol or drugs)
  • needs support as they would not be able to manage daily life without help
  • does not pay you for the support you provide.

You are still a carer if you provide support for:

  • a few hours a week
  • 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  • someone that lives with you
  • someone living in their own home.

While you may not live with the person you care for, the care you give help the person you care for to live independently. 

Carers assessment

The Care Act 2014 states that any carer who appears to have a need for support should be offered a carers assessment. A carers assessment will give you the opportunity to:

  • discuss what information is available
  • find out what local community support is available.

You are eligible for a carers assessment even if the person you care for is not eligible for support or has refused social care services.

A carers assessment will discover how caring affects your life, for example; physically, mentally and emotionally.

To ask for a carers assessment, please contact us.

Carers allowance

If you are considering applying for carers allowance, please visit the Gov.uk website to:

  • check your eligibility
  • find out how much you could get
  • apply to claim carers allowance online.