Available support for carers
If you look after someone who needs support because of an illness or disability and cannot manage without help, you could be considered a carer.
Any carer who appears to need some support has the right to an assessment to see if they are eligible for support from the Council and how we can help you.
A carer’s assessment is simply a conversation that can help you understand the impact caring is having on your life and how best to support you. You may be able to get help and advice with financial concerns, your own health, practical help in the home, and any worries about future needs. Even if you are not eligible there are a range of services in the borough you can access free of charge.
More about carer's assessments
Carer's Allowance
You do not have to be related to or live with the person you care for, but you must be 16 or over and spend at least 35 hours a week caring for them and your income is less than £123 a week after tax, national insurance and expenses.
All claims for carer's allowance are considered on a case-by-case basis due to their complexity. While carer's allowance can give you extra money, but it may affect certain benefits the person you care for receives. You should still apply for carer’s allowance even if you already get some other benefits as there might be an increase if you have an underlying entitlement.
There are also a range of other benefits you may be able to claim as a carer:
- Income support and Tax credit
- Pension Credit
- Winter Fuel Payment
- Council Tax discount
- Attendance Allowance
Your rights in the workplace
If you are caring for someone and also working, it is important for you to be aware of your rights in your workplace. You may be able to take advantage of some or all of the following:
Support available from your GP
If you let your GP know you are a carer, they can provide you with support to make sure you take care of your own health. Wandsworth GP practices:
- Keep a register of all patients identified as carers within their practice
- Can offer flexible appointments and longer consultation slots for carers
- Refer carers to Wandsworth Carers' Centre (with the carer’s permission) and signpost them to other services based on the outcome of their consultation.
Available services for carers in Wandsworth
There are a range of services aimed specifically at carers in the borough, for example:
- Information and advice
- Short breaks from caring
- Emotional support and counselling
- Peer support and training
- Complementary therapies
- Events and activities specifically aimed at carers
You can find more information about available support in the Wandsworth Carers' Guide.
Wandsworth Carers' Centre
Wandsworth Carers' Centre can provide many of these services and provide further advice and support on how to access them.
For more information:
- Telephone: 020 8877 1200
- Email: info@wandsworthcarers.org.uk
- Web: carerswandsworth.org.uk
You can find more information about local carers services on our CarePlace directory.
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