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You are here: MHA Home > Information & Advice > Care and Support > Carers support

Carers support

27 May 2022
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We understand that becoming a carer can be overwhelming. This information and advice will hopefully help you know where you can get extra support to help you.

We also have a page on wellbeing support for carers.

Where to start?

There’s a handy benefits calculator that makes it easier to work out which benefits you might be able to claim, and how much you could receive.  

You can get a Carer’s Assessment to see what help you might be entitled to, including help with taxi fares if you don’t drive, reduced gym membership, advice on benefits, and much more.  

Grants and benefits

There is a lot of support available for carers and the people you care for.

  • Carers allowance - you could get a weekly payment if you care for someone at least 35 hours a week and they are claiming benefits. Find out more and apply on the Gov.uk website

  • Carer Premium - you may be able to get Carers Allowance and/or Carer Premium. The Carer Premium is an extra payment you can get if you’re caring for someone and receiving eligible benefits. You can find more information on the Citizens Advice webpage

  • Carers credit - you could receive this if you’re caring for someone for at least 20 hours a week. Carer’s Credit is a National Insurance credit that helps with gaps in your National Insurance record. This is important as your State Pension is based on this record. You can find out more and apply on the Gov.uk website

  • Carers Trust have some grants available through your local Carers Trust Network Partner. You can find your nearest Carers Trust Network Partner by searching ‘Find support in your area’.

  • Turn2us is a free service that helps people access welfare benefits, charitable grants and other financial help – online, by phone and face-to-face.

  • Disability Grants has information about charities and trusts which give out grants to disabled people and their carers.

Help for the person you care for

The person you care for might be able to receive a personalised care budget (this is an amount of money to spend based on how much it will cost in your local area to arrange the care and support you need). They also may be able to get help with their health costs which vary depending on where you live.

Help from your employer

If you are currently working, you don’t have to tell your management about your caring responsibilities, but your employer must offer you certain legal rights.

These include:

  • The right to ask for flexible working, which could include reducing your hours or working from home.

  • Time off in emergencies - meaning if the person you care for falls ill, has an accident or is without care unexpectedly, you have the right to take time off work.

Your employer isn't obliged to offer you more than the legal requirements but some workplaces have policies that might give you more support or time off, for example through a sabbatical or career break. Check with your line manager or HR department to find out what you’re entitled to.

Support from other carers

You may find it helpful to speak to other carers and share experiences. Carers UK has details of local support groups and online forums where you can meet other carers like you online and in person.

Discounts available

Other organisations offering support

Page last updated: July 2023.

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