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개요
An estimated 5.7 million people in England & Wales are unpaid carers — looking after family members, friends, or neighbours who are older, disabled, or seriously ill. Carers have specific legal rights under the Care Act 2014, the Employment Rights Act 1996, and the Equality Act 2010. Many carers are unaware of available support, including Carer's Allowance, carer's assessments, respite care, and workplace flexible working rights.
단계별 절차
Request a Carer's Assessment
Under the Care Act 2014, carers have the right to request an assessment of their needs from the local authority, regardless of the level of care they provide. The assessment considers the carer's physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing, and whether they are able or willing to continue caring.
- Contact your local authority's adult social services department
- The assessment should be carried out within a reasonable time
- You can have an assessment even if the person you care for refuses a needs assessment
- Eligible needs must be met by the local authority
Understand Workplace Rights
Carers have the right to: request flexible working (all employees with 26+ weeks' service), take reasonable time off for emergencies involving dependants (s.57A ERA 1996), and protection from indirect discrimination if caring responsibilities disproportionately affect a group sharing a protected characteristic.
- You don't need to be the only carer — the right applies even if others also care
- Emergency time off for dependants is unpaid but protected
- Your employer must consider flexible working requests seriously
Apply for Financial Support
Carer's Allowance: £81.90/week (2024/25) if you care for someone for 35+ hours/week and they receive PIP daily living, DLA middle/higher rate care, or Attendance Allowance. You must not earn more than £151/week net. Other benefits may also be affected.
- Carer's Allowance can affect the cared-for person's benefits — get advice first
- You can get National Insurance credits even if you don't qualify for Carer's Allowance
- Check entitlement to Universal Credit carer element
Access Respite and Support Services
Local authorities must consider carers' need for breaks from caring. Services may include: respite care, day services, sitting services, peer support groups, and carers' centres.
- Carers UK has a helpline: 0808 808 7777
- Many areas have local carers' organisations offering practical support
- Direct payments can give you more control over support arrangements
비용
중요 경고
Carer's Allowance is counted as income for means-tested benefits and may affect the cared-for person's benefits.
If the person you care for enters hospital for more than 28 days, your Carer's Allowance may be affected.
Your employer cannot refuse to consider a flexible working request — they can only refuse for specified business reasons.