Available support for carers

If you look after someone who needs support because of an illness or disability and cannot manage without help, you could be considered a carer.

Carer's assessments

A carer's assessment is simply a conversation that can help you understand the impact caring is having on your life and how best we can support you. You may be able to get help and advice with financial concerns, your own health, practical help in the home and any worries about future needs. Even if you are not eligible, there are a range of services in the borough you can access free of charge.

More about carer's assessments

Carer's Allowance

Once you have had a carer's assessment, and if you are eligible for support, you may be able to claim Carer's Allowance. A Carer's Allowance can help you look after someone with substantial caring needs. You do not have to be related to or live with the person you care for, but you must be 16 or over, spend at least 35 hours a week caring for them and have an income of less than £123 a week after tax, national insurance and expenses.

All claims for Carer's Allowance are considered on a case-by-case basis due to their complexity. While Carer's Allowance can give you extra money, it may affect certain benefits the person you care for receives. You should still apply for Carer's Allowance even if you already get some other benefits as there might be an increase if you have an underlying entitlement.

Apply for Carer's Allowance

There are also a range of other benefits you may be able to claim as a carer:

• Income support and Tax credit
• Pension Credit
• Winter Fuel Payment
• Council Tax discount
• Attendance Allowance

Your rights in the workplace

If you are caring for someone and also working, it is important for you to be aware of your rights in your workplace. You may be able to take advantage of some or all of the following:

• Flexible working
• Time off in an emergency
• Parental leave if you have a child

Support available from your GP

If you let your GP know you are a carer, they can provide you with support to make sure you take care of your own health. Richmond GP practices:

• Keep a register of all patients identified as carers within their practice
• Can offer flexible appointments and longer consultation slots for carers
• Refer carers to Richmond Carers' Centre (with the carer’s permission) and signpost them to other services based on the outcome of their consultation

Available services for carers in Richmond

There are a range of services aimed specifically at carers in the borough, for example: 

• Information and advice
• Short breaks from caring
• Emotional support and counselling
• Peer support and training
• Complementary therapies
• Events and activities

Richmond Carers Centre

Richmond Carers Centre can provide further advice and support on how to access them.

Telephone: 020 8867 2380
Email: info@richmondcarers.org
Website: www.richmondcarers.org

You can find more information about local carers services on our CarePlace directory.

 

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