Your Right to Support as a Carer
Caring can be rewarding, but it can also be tiring, stressful and isolating. You do not have to cope on your own.
You can get help to:
- Look after your own health and wellbeing
- Reduce stress and pressure
- Get practical advice and support
- Understand your rights and options
- Get help if you are worried about someone’s safety
You can ask for support even if caring is something you have always done, or if things are only starting to feel difficult.
Your Right to Support as a Carer
Caring often affects people’s sleep, work, finances, relationships and physical and mental health.
Under the Care Act 2014, carers have a legal right to support.
This includes the right to a Carer’s Assessment if caring affects your life in any way.
You do not need to:
- Be caring full‑time
- Care for a certain number of hours
- Be at breaking point
- Live with the person you care for
You can ask for support for yourself, even if the person you care for does not receive social care.
Watch this video from Carer's Trust to understand your rights as an unpaid carer.
What is a Carer’s Assessment?
A Carer’s Assessment is a chance for you to talk about:
- How caring affects your day‑to‑day life
- What support could help you now
- What matters to you in the future
It is not a test and it is not about judging you.
The assessment may lead to:
- Practical support
- Advice and information
- Support to help protect your wellbeing
- Referral to carers’ organisations
Asking for an assessment will not automatically change the care of the person you support.