Work and finances
If you are balancing employment alongside your caring responsibilities, then you are legally entitled to:
· Up to a week of unpaid carer’s leave.
· In England, Scotland or Wales, the right to ask your employer for flexible working.
· The right to take a ‘reasonable’ amount of time off work to deal with an emergency involving the person they’re caring for.
Some employers also offer carers policies, carers networks, or additional compassionate leave.
The Carers UK ‘Work and career’ web page provides further information about your employment rights as a carer.
Finances
Sadly, sometimes providing care can impact finances. Caring can incur additional costs such as reduced work hours, specialist diets, or extra travel costs. It may be helpful to get a benefits check. Turn2us offers a welfare benefits calculator and information about grants.
· Carer’s Allowance is a weekly benefit for carers. For further information around eligibility and payment amounts, please visit the gov.uk web page.
· Carer’s Credit: If you are not paying National Insurance due to your caring role, then visit this link to protect your state pension entitlement
For further information around financial support, please visit the Carers UK ‘Financial support’ web page.