Carers UK
National Charity Providing Information, Advice and Support for Unpaid Carers
Who It’s For: Anyone in the UK who is unpaid caring for a family member or friend with a disability, long-term illness, mental health condition or age-related need — including parents caring for a disabled child, siblings, grandparents and young carers. Relevant at any stage of the caring journey — from first realising you are a carer through to planning for the future.
What They Offer: Carers UK is the national membership charity for unpaid carers, providing free information, advice and guidance on all aspects of caring. Their helpline and email advice service covers benefits and financial entitlements, carers’ assessments, accessing social care, employment rights and planning for the future. Their online community Carers Connect offers peer support around the clock, and their weekly Care for a Cuppa sessions offer informal Zoom-based connection with other carers. Membership is free and gives access to a quarterly magazine, regular updates and the online forum.
Support Includes:
- Free telephone helpline — information and signposting on all aspects of caring including benefits and financial support
- Email advice service — more detailed guidance on complex queries including Carer’s Allowance, PIP, DLA, Universal Credit and disability benefits
- Comprehensive online benefits and financial guidance — covering Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Credit, means-tested benefits, pension entitlements and more
- Carers Connect — free online peer support forum available day and night
- Care for a Cuppa — free weekly Zoom sessions connecting carers with others
- Local carers’ organisation directory — finding support in your area
- AccessAva — online tool helping carers understand their social care rights in England
- Factsheets and guides on benefits, assessments, employment rights and planning for the future
- Free membership — magazine, updates and community access
Referral / Access: Self-referral. No referral needed. Call the free helpline Monday to Friday 9am–6pm. For complex queries email the advice team — responses can take up to 10 working days. All services are free.
Why This Matters: Caring for a child or family member with a disability or long-term condition can turn your financial world upside down — reduced working hours, unexpected costs, and a benefits system that can feel impossibly complicated to navigate. Carers UK cuts through that complexity with clear, reliable, free advice from people who understand what unpaid carers are up against. Whether you are trying to work out what benefits you are entitled to, understanding how Carer’s Allowance interacts with other income, or planning ahead for your child’s transition into adult care, this is an excellent first call.
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