Carers - Advice and Guidance
If you look after someone who couldn't manage without your help, you may be a carer.
You may be able to get support to help you look after your own wellbeing.
Am I a carer?
If you give unpaid care to someone over the age of 18 because of their age, disability or any other issues by supporting them with daily tasks, you are a carer:
- Helping with washing, dressing, eating
- Taking them to regular appointments
- Keeping them company when they feel lonely or anxious
You could be caring for a friend, loved one, family or neighbour.
Around one in 10 people are carers, but they often don’t recognise it themselves.
Carers - national eligibility criteria for support
We look at how your caring role affects your ability to achieve certain outcomes and how this impacts your wellbeing.
We must consider:
- Whether your needs are due to providing necessary care
- Whether caring impacts your health or ability to achieve outcomes
- If there is a significant impact on your wellbeing
You are eligible if you meet all three conditions.
Outcomes we look at:
- Caring for any child you have
- Providing care to others
- Maintaining a habitable home
- Managing nutrition
- Maintaining relationships
- Engaging in work or training
- Using community services
Young carers
If you’re under 18 and help look after someone in your family who is ill, disabled, or has difficulties, you could be a young carer.
- You have the same right to support
- Support with school and wellbeing
Not eligible?
If you feel you still need more support we can offer advice, or you can request an assessment so we can check whether you are eligible.
Ready to get support?
You may be able to get support to help with your caring role and look after your wellbeing.