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Financial, Legal & Carers Rights
Introduction to Carers’ Rights
Understanding Financial and Legal Matters
Carers play a vital role in supporting individuals who may be ill, disabled, or elderly, often dedicating significant time and effort to their responsibilities.
It is important for Carers to be aware of their rights, particularly in relation to financial and legal matters, to ensure they receive the support and protections they deserve.
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Financially, Carers may be entitled to benefits such as Carer’s Allowance, grants, or tax relief, depending on their circumstances and the level of care provided. Understanding eligibility criteria and the application process is key to accessing these resources.
Legally, Carers should be aware of their rights regarding employment, respite breaks, and access to services, as well as the legal frameworks surrounding decision-making for those they care for.
Staying informed empowers Carers to advocate for themselves and those they support, ensuring fair treatment and assistance.
Legal Matters
Carers have specific rights and entitlements that protect them while providing care, including access to support services, financial assistance, and legal protections under various laws.
Wills and Power of Attorney (PoA) are essential tools for Carers, especially those caring for individuals with progressive conditions or those who may lose capacity.
They provide a legal framework for decision-making and management of personal and financial affairs.
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Here are some key points highlighting their importance:
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Avoiding Barriers: Without an PoA, banks, GPs, and social services may refuse to deal with Carers, leading to delays and complications.
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Legal Authority: PoA grants Carers the legal authority to act on behalf of the individual, ensuring smooth support and preventing unnecessary red tape.
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Responsibilities: Executors under an PoA have responsibilities such as keeping records, maintaining separate finances, and being prepared for oversight, which is crucial for both the individual being cared for and the Carer.
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Preventing Complications: Setting up an PoA early can prevent issues that may arise after the individual loses capacity, such as applying to the Court of Protection, which is more expensive and time-consuming.
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Support for Carers: Carers can feel more secure and less stressed, knowing they have a legal mechanism in place to manage the individual's affairs. ​​​
​For Carers, understanding and setting up Wills and PoA is a critical step in providing support and ensuring the individual's wishes are respected. It is advisable to seek professional advice to navigate the legal process effectively
Carers Rights and Entitlements
Carers have specific rights and entitlements that protect them while providing care, including access to support services, financial assistance, and legal protections under various laws.
Do Carers Know their Rights?
Do Carers Use their Rights?
What are the barriers to using Carers Rights?
What changes can be made to support Carers Rights?
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Click the Image for a Copy of the Carers Rights Workshop 2025
Presentation and Survey Results​
Carers Assessment
Carers have the right to an Adult Social Care - 'Carers Assessment'.
In Wirral, if you are over 18 and providing unpaid care for someone, you have the right to an adults carers assessment. This assessment helps determine your own needs. You can complete an online assessment or contact Adult Social Services for assistance. The assessment is free and can be done by yourself or someone you know on your behalf.
For more information, you can visit the Wirral Council website or contact the Wired Carers Services. - SEE SUPPORT SERVICES SECTION ON THIS WEBSITE
The Right
to be Consulted
Carers have the right to be involved in the discharge planning process, ensuring that their views and needs are considered when the person they care for is discharged from the hospital.
Involvement in Discharge Planning
Notification and Consent: Carers should notify hospital staff of their role as a Carer as soon as possible.
If the person being discharged consents, the healthcare team must involve the Carer in discussions about the discharge plan and any ongoing care needs.
Discharge Assessment: A discharge assessment will determine the level of care needed after leaving the hospital. Carers have the right to be fully involved in this assessment process, and their input is valuable in creating a care plan that meets the needs of the person they care for.
Carers Allowance
The main benefit, paying £83.30 a week (2025/26 rates) if caring for someone for at least 35 hours a week and earn £196 or less a week after deductions
Carer's Allowance is a benefit for individuals who provide regular and substantial care to someone with a disability.
Here are the key points: (2025/2026)
Amount: Currently worth £83.30 a week.
Eligibility: You must be caring for someone who receives certain disability benefits, and you cannot be receiving State Pension at the same time or be earning more than £196 per week after deductions.
Application: You can apply online or use form DS700.
Who qualifies: You do not need to be related to the person you care for, nor do you need to live with them.
For more detailed information, you can visit the official UK government website or other advice organisations like Age UK and Citizens Advice.
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Carer Element of Universal Credit
If a Carer or their partner are on a low income or out of work, the Carer may be eligible for Universal Credit. Carers may be able to receive an extra amount called the "Carer Element" if you care for a severely disabled person for at least 35 hours a week.
The carer element of Universal Credit provides additional financial support of £201.68 per month for those who care for a severely disabled person for at least 35 hours a week.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Carer Element of Universal Credit, you must meet the following conditions:
Caring Role: You must be providing care for a severely disabled person for at least 35 hours per week.
Disability Benefits: The person you care for must be receiving one of the following benefits:
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) (middle or highest care rate)
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) (daily living part)
Attendance Allowance
Other specified disability-related benefits.
Financial Support
Amount: For the financial year 2025-26, the Carer Element is worth £201.68 per month. This amount is added to your Universal Credit standard allowance.
Impact on Other Benefits: If you receive Carer’s Allowance, it will be considered as part of your income when calculating your Universal Credit, which may reduce the overall amount you receive. However, you may still be better off overall.
Application Process
How to Apply: You can apply for Universal Credit online. When making your claim, ensure you inform the Universal Credit team about your caring responsibilities. If you are already receiving Carer’s Allowance, you should automatically be considered for the Carer Element.
Important Note: If the person you care for receives a severe disability premium as part of their benefits, they will lose this premium if you are granted the Carer Element of Universal Credit.
Additional Information
Joint Claims: If you live with a partner and both of you care for the same person, only one of you can receive the Carer Element.
Legacy Benefits: If you are receiving legacy benefits (like Income Support), you may be eligible for a Carer Premium instead of the Carer Element if you meet the criteria for Carer’s Allowance.
This financial support can significantly help with living costs if you are a Carer on a low income or out of work.
For more detailed information, you can refer to the official government resources or organisations that specialize in benefits for Carers.
Carer's Credit
This is not a direct payment but a National Insurance (NI) credit that helps fill gaps in Carers NI record to ensure qualification for the State Pension and other benefits, even if the Carer is not paying NI contributions due to their caring role.
Carer’s Credit is a weekly Class 3 National Insurance credit for carers, which protects your future entitlement to State Pension and bereavement benefits.
It is useful for those who provide care for at least 20 hours a week and are not yet at state pension age. While it does not provide extra money, it helps protect Pension Rights for Carers who are not paying National Insurance contributions through paid work and are unable to claim Carer's Allowance.
Carer Premium
Addition
If the Carer receives Carer's Allowance (or have an underlying entitlement to it), they may be able to get an extra amount (premium or addition) added to other means-tested benefits they receive, such as Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, or Pension Credit
Council Tax Reduction
Carers may be eligible for a discount or exemption on their Council Tax bill depending on their living arrangements and the disability of the person they care for.
Changes to the support available from Wirral Borough Council come into effect from April 2026 - Please refer to the Council website for more information
Pension Credit
Carers over State Pension age and on a low income might be able to top up their income with Pension Credit, which can be increased with a "Carer Addition“.
The Carer Addition is an extra amount added to Pension Credit for individuals who provide care for someone receiving a disability benefit, worth £46.40 a week.
What is the Carer Addition?
The Carer Addition, also known as the Carer Premium, is an additional financial support provided within Pension Credit for individuals who care for someone who is receiving a qualifying disability benefit. This addition is designed to help those who provide substantial care, typically requiring at least 35 hours of care per week.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Carer Addition, you must meet the following criteria:
Caring Role: You must be providing care for someone who is receiving a disability benefit, such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Attendance Allowance, or Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
Carer’s Allowance: You do not need to be receiving Carer’s Allowance, but you must be entitled to it. This means you meet the eligibility criteria for Carer’s Allowance, even if you are not currently receiving it due to other benefits or circumstances.
Pension Credit Claim: You must be claiming Pension Credit or another qualifying means-tested benefit to receive the Carer Addition.
Amount of Carer Addition
As of the 2025/26 financial year, the Carer Addition is worth £46.40 per week. This amount is added to your Pension Credit, potentially increasing your overall financial support.
How to Claim the Carer Addition
You do not need to apply separately for the Carer Addition. If you are eligible, it is usually applied automatically when you are awarded Carer’s Allowance or when your circumstances change. However, it is essential to inform the relevant authorities, such as the Carer’s Allowance Unit or your Pension Credit provider, about your caring role to ensure you receive the correct benefits.
Additional Considerations
If you are not currently claiming any means-tested benefits, it may be beneficial to undergo a benefits check to determine your eligibility for Pension Credit and the Carer Addition. This can help ensure you receive all the financial support you are entitled to as a Carer.
In summary, the Carer Addition is a valuable financial support for those who provide care to individuals receiving disability benefits, helping to alleviate some of the financial pressures associated with caregiving.
Wirral Carers Grant
A one off annual cash grant from Wirral Council to support the Carer in their caring role, normally between £100-£300
Carers Direct Payment
A sum of money separate from a standard carers grant from a Local Authority to a Carer to meet their support needs instead of receiving services arranged by the council
GP related
Winter vaccinations, flexible appointments, carers register, regular health checks
GPs can provide essential support for Carers, including advice, referrals to local services, and recognition of their caring role, which can help improve their health and wellbeing.
Importance of Registering as a Carer
Inform Your GP: It is crucial for carers to inform their GP about their caring responsibilities. This allows the GP to record this information in their medical records, enabling tailored support and advice.
Health Implications: Caring can impact a Carer's physical and emotional health. By knowing about your role, GPs can offer more personalized care and monitor any health issues that may arise due to the pressures of caring.
Types of Support Available
Referrals to Local Services: GPs can connect carers with local support networks, including community services and specialist healthcare professionals, such as occupational therapists and dieticians.
Health Checks and Vaccinations: Carers may be entitled to free health checks and vaccinations, such as flu shots, which are important for maintaining their health.
Access to Resources: GPs can provide information about various resources available for Carers, including respite care, carer assessments, and support groups.
Reasonable Adjustments and Appointments: Carers can benefit from flexible GP appointments that cater to their needs.
Primary Care
NHS England provides a framework for how general practice can better identify and support carers.
It was developed in partnership with carers, primary care teams and other stakeholders, including Care Quality Commission.
The quality markers ask a general practice to identify six things.
How they:
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Identify and register carers
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use the carer’s register to support holistic carer health and wellbeing needs
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organise themselves to understand and respond to the needs of carers
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make it easier for carers to access services
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communicate with, involve and inform carers
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promote a carer-friendly culture
These quality markers are a good way for General Practice to show how they identify and support Carers at inspection.
Other Rights
Local Support organisations included Wired, Age UK and Citizens Advice can help Carers navigate the complexities of Carers Rights - Contact Details can be found on our Support Services Page