Carer’s Allowance branded ‘not enough’ as unpaid carers ‘struggle to cope’

As millions continue to grapple with the rising cost of living, a new survey reveals there is still a drastic need for more financial support for carers.

The survey, ‘Unpaid and under pressure: are Brits trapped caring for elderly parents?’ carried out by TakingCare Personal Alarms found as many as four in five Britons do not feel that the current rate of Carer’s Allowance is sufficient to support carers.

Unpaid carers are eligible to claim Carer’s Allowance, a monthly payment distributed by the DWP of around £307 (£76.75 per week), provided claimants care for someone on certain means-tested benefits for at least 35 hours per week.

According to insights from Carers UK, around 10.6 million people are currently providing unpaid carers duties in the UK now, many of whom will be caring for an elderly relative, friend or neighbour whose physical or mental health is in decline.

Despite the recent and more positive news that amendments to the Carer’s Rights Bill have received Royal Assent, which will enable employees juggling paid employment and caring responsibilities to take up to five days of unpaid leave, there is still little financial support for unpaid carers in the UK.

READ MORE: Thousands of carers set to receive an extra £270 on top of Carer’s Allowance

According to TakingCare Personal Alarms’ survey, up to 80 percent of respondents perceived the current rate of Carer’s Allowance to be insufficient, with only 10 percent of those surveyed agreeing that £50 to £100 per week would be enough financial support.

More than one in four (28 percent) say they would need more than £100 per week to care for someone in the current climate.

This comes as an increasing number of Britons are needing to take on the role of caring for their older parents to avoid rocketing care home fees.

The survey found one in three adults would give up work to look after an elderly relative, as 32 percent said they would not be able to afford a typical four-year stay in a care home.

Louise Yasities, elderly care expert at TakingCare Personal Alarms, commented: “It can be so challenging for carers who may be looking after an elderly parent or relative. Especially those who still have children at home or work commitments, so it’s fantastic to see the Carer’s Leave Act 2023 will provide some comfort to those in employment who may require additional time off for their caring responsibilities.”

However, she noted: “Our new report shows some of the harsh realities for unpaid carers in our country, with many struggling to cope in the current financial landscape. We have found this is largely due to a lack of wider support available to them; they are simply slipping through the cracks.”

What’s more, Ms Yasities added: “The Government’s cost of living payment is means-tested, meaning most carers will be unable to benefit from the latest payment, worth £300, which was due between April and May.”

Given the current financial climate, Ms Yasities said it’s “crucial” for unpaid carers to be aware of what financial support is available to them and fortunately, there are a few options available.

Ms Yasities said: “One thing unpaid carers can claim for is Carer’s Credit, a National Insurance credit that helps bridge some of the gaps in a carers’ National Insurance (NI) record and helps towards your state pension.

“Claimants must care for someone for at least 20 hours per week, with the credit allowing them to maintain caring responsibilities and still contribute to their state pension, which is based on NI contributions.”

Alongside this, Ms Yasities urged carers to look to their local authority for further support.

She said: “Many councils will have their own list of registered organisations, charities and support groups that can help vulnerable or elderly people in the community.

“For those caring for elderly friends or relatives, it’s advisable to get at-home support through a needs assessment from your local authority which will help open the door to further support.”