You do not need to call yourself a carer to be one. If you regularly help someone who could not manage without you, you have rights and may be able to get support.
In this guide
- Carer's Allowance: money for people who care for 35 hours a week or more
- Carers' rights and support: carer's assessments, carer's leave, flexible working and breaks
Quick tips
- Tell your GP you are a carer. Many surgeries offer flexible appointments, health checks and a free flu vaccine for carers.
- Ask your council for a free carer's assessment.
- Many venues give free carer tickets. See days out and leisure.
- Carers UK runs a free helpline, and local carers' centres offer support and breaks.
Sources we used
We check this page at least once a year, and sooner when the rules change. Read how we check our facts, or tell us if something looks wrong.