Unpaid carers in the UK are feeling the squeeze of the cost-of-living crisis and are finding it difficult to meet their basic needs. According to a report by Carers UK, more than a third of the estimated 11,000 unpaid carers have had to cut back on essentials like food and heating this year. Additionally, seven in ten carers are worried about saving and planning for their future. The Carer's Allowance benefit, which is meant to provide support, is falling short, with a quarter of recipients falling into debt. Carers UK is calling for urgent changes to the system to alleviate the financial burden on carers.
The issues facing unpaid carers
Unpaid carers play a crucial role in saving the NHS and social care £162 billion a year, with hundreds of people giving up work each day to care for someone. However, carers face a triple hit of higher caring costs, low benefits, and reduced earnings. Those receiving the Carer's Allowance benefit, which is £76.75 a week, are particularly affected. A quarter of recipients have fallen into debt, and a fifth of carers overall struggle to afford food. Carers UK is pushing for an overhaul of the system to better support carers.
Help available for carers
Carers can access support through benefits like Universal Credit and the Carer's Allowance. The Carer's Allowance counts as a contribution toward the state pension and may open the door to other benefits, such as the carer element of Universal Credit. In Scotland, carers receiving the Carer's Allowance can also receive the Carer's Allowance Supplement, which is currently £541 a year. Carers over the state pension age may qualify for the Carer Addition to Pension Credit. Additionally, carers who don't receive the Carer's Allowance but care for someone for 20 hours a week can apply for Carer's Credit to protect their state pension. Carers may also be eligible for a reduction in council tax if they meet certain criteria. It's important for carers to check their entitlements on websites like turn2us.org.uk and Carers UK.
High street discounts for carers
Carers can take advantage of discounts on high-street goods and services. Many local carer organizations offer free discount schemes with local and national businesses. Carers can sign up for free with Discounts for Carers to access money-off deals. Businesses like Bosch, Homebase, JD Sports, and Jet2Holidays are among those offering discounts. However, some online schemes may charge a fee, so carers should weigh the costs against the potential savings.
Stories from carers
Former dance teacher Charlotte Booker is one of many carers struggling to make ends meet. Since becoming a full-time carer for her mother, who has pancreatic cancer, Charlotte has depleted her savings. She relies on the Carer's Allowance, which leaves her £250 short each month. Charlotte has taken on extra work within the limits of Universal Credit, but it's still not enough to cover her expenses. The financial strain has left her with no savings and a constant worry.
Overall, unpaid carers in the UK are facing a financial crisis. The Carer's Allowance is falling short, leaving carers struggling to meet their basic needs. Carers UK is advocating for an urgent overhaul of the system to provide better support. In the meantime, carers can access benefits like Universal Credit and the Carer's Allowance and take advantage of high street discounts to help alleviate some of the financial burden.
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