Who carers are
You are considered a carer if you provide unpaid support to someone who:
- is elderly
- has a physical or mental illness
- has a disability
- has an addiction.
You do not need to live with the person or be related to them, they could be a friend or neighbour.
It does not include paid care professionals or volunteers working through an organisation.
If you're under 18
If you're under 18 and care for someone, you're considered a young carer.
We have specific support for young carers.
If you're a parent caring for a disabled child
If you're over 18 and care for a child with a disability that you have parental responsibility for, you're considered a parent carer.
You can find further support on our Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) information hub homepage.
What carers do
Carers offer regular, unpaid help to look after those that need extra support.
This might include help with:
- personal care such as washing, dressing or eating
- taking someone to regular appointments
- medication
- housework
- financial support
- emotional support by keeping them company and giving them someone to talk to.
Caring for someone can be rewarding but can also be a challenging and stressful time for the carer.
Your rights
As a carer you have certain rights, including:
- protection from discrimination
- employment rights
- your right to a carer's assessment.
Find out more about your rights as a carer on the Carers UK website.