Carers Direct

Are You a Carer?

If you are please let us know – we may be able to help you.

There is a wealth of information on NHS Choices about carers and caring. Below are some links to the site that we hope you will find useful.

  • Caring for a parent
    Watch this video on: caring for a parent at home
  • Telling people
    Caring responsibilities can make it difficult to maintain friendships or develop new ones. Telling your friends you’re a carer is important so they understand and can support you.
  • Taking a break
    Caring for someone can be a full-time job, but it’s essential that you take time out for yourself too. Read our guide to accessing breaks and respite.
  • Housing and carers
    Do you know your tenancy rights as a carer? Are you aware of all your care at home options? Do you need tips on moving someone around the home?

Contact Carers Direct

Telephone: 0808 802 0202
Helpline Information:Your guide to care and support
Email:CarersDirect@nhschoices.nhs.uk
Office Hours: Lines are open:

8 am to 9 pm – Monday to Friday

11 am to 4 pm at weekends.

Calls are free from UK landlines.

Finance and Law

Help to claim benefits, looking after your bank balance and understanding the legal issues of caring.

  • Benefits for carers
    Directing carers to the benefits that can help them in their caring role
  • Benefits for the person you care for
    Advice and information on helping the person you look after getting the benefits that they are entitled to
  • Death and benefits
    How your benefits maybe affected after the death of the person you look after and what happens to their benefits
  • Managing someone’s legal affairs
    Advice for when carers find they have to take over the legal affairs of the person they are looking after
  • Other benefits
    Advice for carers and the people they are looking after on claiming a whole host of other benefits unrelated to their disability or caring
  • Personal and household finance
    Advice on keeping a tight rein on household and personal finance for carers
  • Social fund
  • Tax credits
    Information on claiming tax credits and whether you might be eligible