Unpaid carers that receive Carer’s Allowance will continue to be paid the Allowance if they have a temporary break in their caring role due to either them or the person they care for self-isolating or being infected with coronavirus. Plus emotional support will also count towards as part of the 35 hours of care a week requirement.

With the current coronavirus lockdown and Carers Rights Day approaching (Thursday 26th November 2020) we are reaching out to unpaid carers to ensure they are identified, supported and aware of their rights.

Unpaid carers are being encouraged to write to their local MP as well as the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, the Rt Hon Matt Hancock MP, and Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak, to tell them of the challenges they face and call for better support.

We have joined the 75 organisations that have sent a joint letter to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, The Rt Hon Therese Coffey MP, and Chancellor of the Exchequer, The Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP, to call on the Government to raise Carer’s Allowance. This is part of Carer’s UK’s #FairerForCarers campaign and follows a similar letter sent in early July that has gone unanswered.