Carer's Right to an assessment
Under the Carers and Disabled Children Act 2000, carers aged 16 or over who provide regular and substantial amounts of care for someone aged 18 or over have the right to an assessment of their needs as a carer.
If there is more than one carer providing regular care in your household, you are both entitled to an assessment.
Very occasionally, a 16 or 17 year old who cares for someone for a limited period to an assessment. The local council has a responsibility to make sure a young carer's well-being is looked after and that they receive the necessary support.
The Carers (Equal Opportunities) Act
This Act came into force in April 2005. It places a duty on local authorities to ensure that all carers know that they are entitled to an assessment of their needs, and to consider a carer's outside interests - work, study or leisure - when carrying out an assessment.
Carers and Direct Payments
Direct payments are cash payments made instead of providing services directly, to someone who has been assessed as needing services. There are some circumstances when direct payments are not given - your council can tell you about these.
Carers and employment rights
Since April 2007 you have a statutory rights to ask your employer for flexible working if you are caring for an adult who is a relative or lives at the same address as you.
Carers also have the right to take unapaid time off work for dependants in cases of emergency.
Returning to work after being a carer may have an impact on any entitlements and benefits you receive as a carer. The amount of hours you do, how much you earn and your savings will be taken into consideration.
For more information go to: http://www.direct.gov.uk/carers/
