Support and information for parent carers
According to the Care Act 2014, a person aged 18 or over who provides care for their disabled child, is a parent carer.
As a parent carer, it is important that whilst taking care of your child, you take care of yourself. The free services below offer a wide breadth of support, knowledge and guidance to support you.
Support options that may help you as a parent carer
Firstly, tell your GP that you are a carer
Your role will be recorded on your notes, you’ll get flexible appointments/text reminders and other help, like free vaccines.
They can also give you really useful information for yourself and the person you care for.
Read more on the Carers UK website.
Finding the time can be challenging but doesn't have to be impossible. The better you feel the better you can care for others.
Carer's Assessment
A Carer’s Assessment will be able to consider what support needs you have, whether these arise because of the needed care and support you provide.
You may be able to get Carer's Allowance, which is the main benefit available to carers.
If you spend at least 35 hours a week caring for somebody else and you are over the age of 16, you may be entitled to support with money.
See here to find out more about the Carer's Allowance.
Remember, any allowance could be taxable and may affect other benefits you might get.
If you aren't eligible for Carer's Allowance, you may be able to apply for Carer's Credit. Carer’s Credit is a National Insurance credit that helps with gaps in your National Insurance record. This supports your State Pension.
As a carer you may benefit from the occasional break from your caring role.
Having access to short breaks can play an important part in supporting the personal and social development of children and young people. The opportunity enables them to explore different social and leisure activities, and may involve having a break from their main carer.
Short breaks can also support families by providing a break for parents and other family members from their caring responsibilities, enabling them to have time for themselves to recharge and refresh.
Take a look on our Local Offer website for more information, or contact the Children and Families team.
You are entitled to one week's unpaid leave from your workplace to provide or arrange care. Under the Carer's Leave Act 2023, you are entitled to one week of unpaid leave per year to care for someone with a long-term care need. You can now take this leave from your first day of employment.
More information about eligibility, how to take carer's leave and about irregular working patterns.
The Department of Work and Pensions have launched a support site for carers who need help with balancing work and their caring responsibilities. The pages give information on:
- Caregiving Support
- Money assistance
- Advice
- Employer support
- and more
Visit the Job Help website for more information.
As a carer, you offer a huge contribution to society, but you may feel undervalued. Its important that you know your rights. Carers UK's fact sheets explain your rights on their website.
City Advice
If you live or study in the City of London, or live on a City Corporation estate, you can access free, confidential and impartial advice on a range of issues, including debt and employment, through the City Advice service.
City Advice are qualified to advise on:
- Consumer and employment rights
- Welfare benefits
- Debt
- Housing and legal issues
- Relationships
- Health and wellbeing
Services for carers
Imago support unpaid adult carers and young adult carers aged 16+ living in the City, with emotional and practical support, individual support plans, information, advice and guidance, and regular online and in-person carer support groups and activities.
Dragon Cafe in the City
The award-winning Dragon Café in the City is free and open to anyone working or living in the City and provides a space for you to release the pressure, take a break from your busy routines and engage in creative activities designed to foster positive mental and physical wellbeing.
Mind
Whilst it can be very positive and rewarding, when caring for someone else, you might experience challenges and difficult feelings such as stress and worry or anxiety. Mind offer some tips to help you look after your mental health.
Mind have some really useful resources that may help you take better care of yourself. The better you feel, the more able you are to look after someone else.
Discounts for carers
As a carer, you can access 100s of exclusive discounts from Discounts for Carers.
Carers UK
Carers UK provide information and guidance to unpaid carers covering a range of subjects including:
- Benefits and financial support
- Your rights as a carer in the workplace
- Carers' assessments and how to get support in your caring role
- Services available to carers and the people you care for
- How to complain effectively and challenge decisions
Visit Carers UK, call 0808 808 7777 from Monday to Friday, 9am – 6pm or email Carers UK.
Further support is available from these national agencies: