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 that Carers UK suggest 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 main 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.

Go to benefits calculator

2. Find out about practical support

Caring for a loved one can be very physically and mentally demanding, so it's important to find out from your local 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 their local council. This could result in the carer, or the person they are caring for, being able to get additional help or support.

To find out more contact adult social services at Derbyshire County Council and ask for a carer's assessment.

3. Connect with others

Caring can be very isolating, but there are lots of different ways that you can connect with people in similar situations. You can find local support groups for you to attend in person, or benefit from the wealth of online forums.

Further information

Take a look at Derbyshire Carers website for support, groups and events taking part in your area. You can also self refer to receive support from Derbyshire Carers.

Carers in Derbyshire also provides a range of signposting, advice and information.

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