LAWS BACKS CARERS’ RIGHTS DAY

The day is part of a campaign by Carers’ UK to highlight the financial support that carers are entitled to in order to protect their income and pension.

There are over six million carers within the UK, providing an estimated £87 billion worth of unpaid care. Almost three quarters of carers are financially worse-off due to caring, as many are forced to give up work, or work much reduced hours. Many carers could reduce their financial hardship if they claimed for the benefit and support that they are rightfully entitled to.

The Carers Rights Day campaign, run by Carers UK, seeks to raise awareness of carer’s rights, and to increase the take-up of financial support that they may be able to get, including Carer’s Allowance, council tax discount and Pension Credit.

David Laws MP said:

“Carers play a vital role in our society - without them the NHS and social care system would struggle to cope.

“I hope that Carers UK’s campaign will raise awareness of these issues, and help carers across the country.

I would also urge carers who think they may be missing out on benefits to contact Carers UK to find out more about their entitlements.”

 

Note to editors: For more information on this issue, please contact Carers UK’s freephone hotline on 0808 808 7777, or visit www.carersuk.org.