Rights as a Carer
Caring for a loved one is a significant responsibility, and carers have legal rights designed to support them in this vital role. If you're an unpaid carer—looking after a family member, partner, or friend who couldn’t cope without your help—you have the right to:
- A Carer’s Assessment from your local council to determine what support you need
- Flexible working arrangements, including the right to request flexible hours from your employer
- Protection from discrimination under the Equality Act 2010
- Time off in emergencies to care for dependants
- Access to financial support, such as Carer’s Allowance or Universal Credit
- Respite care to take breaks from your caring role
- Support in education and healthcare settings when advocating for the person you care for
Understanding your rights helps you care more effectively while also looking after your own well-being. Help is available—knowing where to find it is the first step
For more information visit:
Being Heard – Carers UK: https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/guides-and-tools/being-heard-a-self-advocacy-guide-for-carers/
‘Being Heard’ are guides produced by Carers UK to help anyone with caring responsibilities understand their rights and gain confidence to assert them with professionals. For more information please watch the following short video:
or read the guide
Department of Health and Social Care: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/care-act-2014-part-1-factsheets/care-act-factsheets?utm_source=chatgpt.com
