Forum Brief: Carers

Carers of sick and disabled relatives are missing out on £660 million in benefits, it has been claimed.

Campaigners have warned that around 300,000 people who care for relatives at home are failing to claim key benefits.

Forum response: Carers UK

Imelda Redmond, chief executive of Carers UK, said: "Around 2.3 million people become carers every year. Many people don't see themselves as carers, but as mothers, sons, partners and friends and may not know that they are entitled to help as carers.

"That's why Carers UK and British Gas are working together on Carers' Rights Day - to tell as many carers as possible about the support they can get.

"We rely heavily on the support provided by carers, which has been valued at a staggering £57 billion per year. There are clear moral and economic arguments to make sure carers know about the support that is available."

Forum Response: Age Concern

An Age Concern spokesperson said: "This report clearly illustrates that despite the enormous amount carers contribute to society, they and the relatives they care for often get a raw deal.

"Carers save society billions and often endure enormous financial hardship. Many cannot enter paid employment because of their responsibilities at home but fail to claim the benefits they are entitled to.

"Age Concern urges the government to introduce a comprehensive, flexible and fair system of credits for carers. We need a single system of credits that would ensure people are not penalised for caring but instead, properly qualify for a full state pension on retirement. At the same time, the government must ensure carers get the money benefits they are entitled to."