Fairer for carers

To support carers through the COVID-19 pandemic, we are calling on the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP, to award a £20 a week supplement to carers entitled to Carer’s Allowance, helping carers manage both the higher costs of caring and the lack of services available to help them stay in work.

This would match the increases awarded to those on Universal Credit. Currently, over 480,000 carers with an entitlement to Carer’s Allowance have each lost out on close to £1000 of support since April 2020, compared to those on Universal Credit. We’re calling for a £20 supplement rather than an uplift, so it isn't taken off other benefit payments such as Income Support. It should also be backdated to recognise that many carers haven’t received any additional support since COVID-19 began.

On Wednesday 3 February 2021 we delivered a letter signed by 5062 people to the Chancellor, calling on him to put in place more support for carers, including addressing the financial hardship carers are facing and introducing a £20 a week supplement for people entitled to Carer’s Allowance. You can read the letter here. 

Christie's story

Christie, who relies on Carer’s Allowance to get by, has made a video where she talks about why it is so important that the Government increases the financial support available to carers.

Aron's story

Aron, who cares for his daughter, talks about why it is so important that the Government increases the financial support available to carers.

It is not too late for the Government to recognise the vital role that unpaid carers play, and to put in place much needed financial support for carers. It can only be right that we give back to carers who have done so much for others during this crisis. Without this help, many will continue to face real hardship and suffering.

Thank you to everyone who took part in our latest campaign action by writing to their MP, calling for the Government to introduce a £20 per week supplement to those entitled to Carer’s Allowance. The action is now closed, but we are delighted to say that 2103 people took part, enabling us to raise awareness of our campaign with 577 individual MPs.