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Main Content: Carers, unaware of support, missing out on benefits and pensions
Carers provide unpaid care by looking after ill, frail or disabled family members, friends or partners.
To mark the tenth national Carers Rights Day, organised by Carers UK, new research will be launched on 4th December 2009, showing that people caring for elderly, sick or disabled relatives could be missing out on vital support, which could help them plan for their family finances and pensions, because they are not aware of what is available. This is particularly important for carers because:
- 1 in 5 carers have given up work to care damaging their chances of getting a full Basic State Pension in retirement unless they claim the correct benefits.
- Carers are unaware they are entitled to support: Research from Carers UK and Carers Scotland indicates that it takes an average two years for people caring for friends or relatives to realise they are a ‘carer’ and access financial and practical support – missing out on key benefits and pension contributions.
There are currently six million carers throughout the UK (660,000 in Scotland) and every year over 2 million people become carers every year and 2 million cease caring (178,000 in Scotland).
CARERS UK PRESS OFFICE:
Carers UK can provide spokespeople, case studies, statistics and details of local events. Please register your interest now by contacting the Carers UK Press Office. We will send you an embargoed advance copy of the research and press release prior to Carers Rights Day.
Steve McIntosh: T. 0207 378 4937, email: steve.mcintosh@carersuk.org
Out of hours contact: 07505 184 262
Notes to Editors:
1. Carers Rights Day across the UK
On Carers Rights Day on December 4th, over 1300 groups across the UK will be running local events to give carers advice and information on claiming the right benefits and making sure their pensions do not suffer as a result of caring.
2. Carers UK is a campaigning, policy and information organisation of and for carers. Carers Scotland is the Scottish national office of Carers UK. Carers Scotland and Carers UK make a difference to carers' lives by:
- Campaigning for a better deal for carers;
- Informing carers of their rights and what help is available
- Training and advising professionals who work with carers
- Working across the UK through its membership and networks of branches and affiliates.
3. New resources to be published for Carers Rights Day.
Carers UK will also be publishing two new resources for Carers Rights Day which will help carers to find out more about their rights and entitlements to help plan and how to protect their pensions:
- A new edition of Looking after Somone: a guide to carers rights and entitlements
- A new carers guide to pensions – Caring about your pension
The pensions leaflet will be available from 4 December 2009 in all local Lloydspharmacy stores. All resources will be available from: www.carersuk.org or Carers UK’s advice line: 0808 808 7777.
Local Lloydspharmacy stores can be located using their online store locator at www.lloydspharmacy.com/storelocator or calling 0845 602 9727.
4. Five key facts about carers:
There are nearly 6 million carers in the UK (660,000 in Scotland)
Every year over 2 million people become carers (178,000)
Carers save the economy £87 billion per year (£7.6 billion in Scotland), an average of £15,260 per carer
3 in 5 people will be affected by caring responsibilities at some point in their lives
The main carer's benefit, Carer’s Allowance, is £53.15 for a minimum of 35 hours