A carer is anyone, including children and adults who looks after a family member, partner or friend who needs help because of their illness, frailty, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction and cannot cope without their support. The care they give is unpaid.
How do I know if Im a carer?
You're probably a carer if all of the following apply:
- you do things like helping someone to wash, dress and eat; taking them to regular appointments, doing their shopping or keeping them company.
- you aren't paid to look after the person you're caring for.
How do you get classed as a carer?
Your eligibility
- you're 16 or over.
- you spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone.
- you've been in England, Scotland or Wales for at least 2 of the last 3 years (this does not apply if you're a refugee or have humanitarian protection status)
