A new tool, the ‘Care Calculator,’ aims to help individuals recognize if they qualify as unpaid carers, providing them access to much-needed support and resources. Developed by Carers UK, the tool encourages users to assess their caregiving responsibilities and potentially tap into a network of assistance.
Results for: Unpaid carers
Over 10 million unpaid carers in the UK are eligible for government benefits such as Universal Credit and Carer’s Allowance. However, 500,000 are missing out on the Carer Premium, which provides additional financial support to help cover the extra costs of caregiving. The premium has recently been increased by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to £2371 per year, paid alongside other benefits or pension payments. This equates to an extra £198.31 per month for those who provide care. Notably, individuals do not need to claim Carer’s Allowance to receive the premium, ensuring support for carers who may not be eligible for the allowance due to their own benefits or pension payments exceeding the threshold.