Carer Rights
How we support you
Unpaid carers have a number of legal rights designed to help them access support, balance caring with work, and protect their wellbeing. These rights are mainly set out in social care, employment and equality legislation. The support available can vary slightly depending on whether you live in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
1. The right to a Carer’s Assessment
If you regularly provide care for someone, you have the right to request a Carer’s Assessment from your local authority. This assessment looks at how caring affects your life and what support may help you continue caring while maintaining your own wellbeing. If you appear to have support needs, the local authority must carry out an assessment.
The assessment may consider:
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Your physical and mental health
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Whether you want to continue caring
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Your ability to work, study or take part in social activities
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The type of support or services that may help you
To apply for a Carers Assessment in Cheshire West you can complete the form here
2. The right to support and information
Local authorities must provide information and advice about care and support services for both carers and the people they care for. This can include guidance on:
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Local services and support organisations
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Benefits and financial help
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Planning for emergencies or future care needs
3. Rights at work for carers
If you are combining work and caring responsibilities, you have employment rights designed to help you balance both. These include:
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The right to request flexible working
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The right to unpaid Carer’s Leave to manage caring responsibilities
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The right to take time off for emergencies involving a dependent
4. Protection from discrimination
Carers are protected under equality law from discrimination because of their caring responsibilities. This means employers or service providers must not treat someone unfairly because they care for a disabled or dependent person.
5. Being involved in care decisions
Carers should be recognised and involved in important decisions affecting the person they care for. For example, health services should identify, consult and involve carers, including when someone is being discharged from hospital.
6. The right to raise concerns or make complaints
If health or social care services are not meeting expected standards, carers have the right to raise concerns or make a formal complaint through NHS or local authority procedures.
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