Thousands Missing Out On Compensation For Caring

People providing substantial care for their spouse or partner are less likely to consider themselves as ‘carers’, putting them at risk of missing out on the extra cash benefits they are entitled to, according to Age Concern.

The warning comes as new research reveals that a quarter of over 50s are unaware that they could be eligible for benefits if they provide care for a partner or spouse.1 The charity is urging all older carers and those caring for an older person to contact the charity for a free benefits check, as part of its ongoing Your Rights campaign.

For many carers, the cost of caring can quickly escalate and become a huge financial headache at an already very stressful time. Yet thousands of carers nationwide are missing out on their share of the annual £740 million in unclaimed carers’ benefits because they do not realise they are entitled to the extra cash or feel the system is too confusing.

Many pensioners wrongly believe that they are not entitled to carers’ benefits because they are already in receipt of the state pension, yet this is often not the case. And many carers under state pension age are unaware that putting in a claim could give their finances a double boost, by giving them a weekly credit towards their state pension as well as topping up their regular income.

Mr and Mrs F, who claimed carer’s benefits with Age Concern’s help, said: “Claiming the benefits we were entitled to has transformed our lives. Age Concern helped us to claim Carer’s Allowance, which meant we got increased benefits on top of the other benefits we receive. Getting a bit extra each week really helps to relieve the pressure of bills and making ends meet. We would tell anyone to go to Age Concern to find out what they could claim.”

The charity is urging older carers across the country to get in touch with their local Age Concern for free, clear and confidential benefits advice. Age Concerns across the country are running Your Rights events to coincide with Carers Week to encourage older carers and those caring for older people to find out what they are entitled to.  

Gordon Lishman, Director General of Age Concern, said: “The cost of caring can be a big weight to bear for many people, but claiming carers’ benefits can help to lighten the load. Yet thousands of carers across the UK are each missing out on cash benefits of up to £2,500 a year, often because they don’t realise they are entitled to the extra help or just don’t understand the system.

“Age Concern benefits advisors can make it easy for carers to find out what they are entitled to and to make a claim. We would urge any older carers, or those caring for an older person, to get in touch with their local Age Concern for clear, free and confidential help and advice, or to call our free helpline number on 0800 00 99 66 for more information. There’s nothing to lose and everything to gain by finding out more about what you could claim.”

As part of its Your Rights campaign, Age Concern has pledged to get an extra £100 million in money benefits into the pockets of older people by April 2008.

Factfile

• Around 1 in 8 adults in the UK is a carer
• The most likely age to be a carer is between 50-59
• Most carers look after older people, an estimated 70% of those cared for are 65 years or over
• 1 in 3 carers (38%) are caring for their parents, while almost 1 in 5 (18%) are caring for their spouse
• By 2037 the number of carers could have increased to 9 million due to an ageing population and changes in community care policy
• Recent Carers UK research revealed 72% of carers polled were worse off since they started caring, with 33% in debt
• 53% of those surveyed said that financial worries are affecting their health