What support can I get as a carer?
If you provide unpaid care for a friend or family member who, due to illness, disability, or another problem, cannot cope without support, you may be entitled to help.
To help you access financial and practical support, we share three steps Carers UK suggests you can take.
1. Get a benefits check
Get a full benefits check to see what financial support you may be entitled to. The Carer's Allowance is the primary carer's benefit, but this could also include tax credits, council tax discounts or help with fuel costs.
You can get a personalised benefits check online. It will take about 20 minutes to complete.
2. Find out about practical support
Caring for a loved one can be very physically and mentally demanding, so find out from Durham County Council what practical support is available. This support could include equipment to make caring easier or information about local support groups that can help.
All carers are entitled to a carer's assessment from the council. This could result in the carer, or the person they are caring for, being able to get additional help or support.
Contact adult social services at your Durham County Council and ask for a carer's assessment to find out more.
Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) - Advice and support - Durham County Council
Care and support for adults - Durham County Council
3. Connect with others
Caring can be very isolating, but you can connect with people in similar situations in many different ways. You can find local support groups to attend in person or benefit from the wealth of online forums.
To learn more about your rights, tailored to your situation, take a look at Upfront - Carers UK's online tool, or check out their online meetups if you fancy a cup of tea and chat.
Further information for carers
Durham County Carers Support is a local voluntary organisation which provides free high-quality services and support to unpaid Carers over the age of 18, who support someone living in County Durham & Darlington. They can work with you to help you find the information you need to care for someone and can inform you about other services to help you look after yourself.
Visit their expansive website to find out what support you could receive.
Carers UK have a wide range of support, including:
- Financial support, including information on all benefits available.
- Practical support, including information around a carers assessment.
- Health and wellbeing, including information around taking a break and dealing with depression and stress.
