Support for unpaid carers

An unpaid carer helps another person without being paid for that care.

Caring can include practical help or emotional support.

You can ask the council about support for yourself.

Ask for a carer's assessment.

This looks at how caring affects your life.

The council must assess you if you may need support.

The carer's assessment is free.

You can ask even if you have savings.

The other person's money does not prevent your assessment.

Tell the council what you can manage.

Explain whether you want to continue caring.

Explain whether you can continue caring.

Explain how caring affects your health and everyday life.

Include your work, learning, relationships and time for yourself.

Your assessment is about your own needs.

It is separate from the assessment of the person you care for.

You can ask for the assessments to happen together.

The council checks what support you qualify for.

An assessment does not guarantee a particular service or free support.

Ask the council to explain its decision and any charges.