Rights and Benefits for Carers
These rights and benefits pages outline the main carer rights and benefits in the UK – linking to more detailed information if you need it.
Carers have the right to:
- have an assessment of their own needs
- request flexible working hours, and take unpaid time off work for the person they care for in the event of an emergency
- apply for financial support
Carers also deserve to be treated with fairness and respect.
The Law
COVID-19 has meant that temporary changes are being implemented by many Local Authorities, which will affect how assessments are carried out – see the Government guidance document Care Act Easements (April 2020 updated September 2020)
The Care Act 2014 came into force from April 2015. It brought in new duties for local authorities and new rights for service users and carers.
The Care Act recognises carers in the law in the same way as those they care for. The law now entitles carers, and the people they care for, to an assessment of their own needs regardless of their income and finance or their level of need.
A Carer Assessment is a good starting point for carers as it will identify care and support needs and provide information and advice about services aimed at meeting those needs.
You can also find out more information about your rights as a carer on the Rethink carers information pages.
If you live outside the UK, it is important to find out about the main rights of carers in the country where you live.
Find out more about: