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Your rights as a Carer

Your rights as an Adult Carer

Carers provide invaluable support to family members, friends or loved ones. Although the work is unpaid, the Government has introduced legislation that gives Carers specific rights to make sure they are supported in their role. Below is a brief look at the rights Carers have, with links to the relevant legislation for more information.

The right to a Carer’s assessment

Under the Care Act 2014, all Carers have the right to request a Carer’s assessment. In Sefton, this assessment will be completed by The Carers Centre on behalf of Sefton Council.

You do not need to be living with the person you care for to request an assessment.

A Carer’s assessment looks at the needs of the Carer, including what impact caring has on their daily life and what support might help them in their role. The assessment is completely free and available to anyone who provides unpaid care.

If the assessment finds that the Carer has eligible needs, a support plan will be put in place. This plan will look at what support the Carer needs in the role and may include:

  • Help with household tasks.
  • Information and advice services.
  • Emotional support or counselling.

Want or need a Carers assessment?

This can be done by Contacting Sefton Carers Centre on - 0151 288 6060 or Help@carers.sefton.gov.uk or use this link and complete a contact form Contact Us – Carers website

For more information and guidance see our Getting a Carers Assessment webpages

The right to financial support

As a Carer, you may be able to receive financial support. This is usually in the form of Carers Allowance but may include other means tested benefits such as Pension Credit. For more information, visit the Financial Information for Carers page.

Rights at work

If you are in work and look after someone who could not manage without your help, you have employment rights to support you. The Employment Rights Act 1996 gives Carers the right to request flexible working arrangements. Carers who have been employed for 26 weeks can make a formal request to adjust their working hours, work remotely, or reduce their hours.

The Carers Leave Act 2023 gives all unpaid Carers the right to (up to) a week of unpaid leave per year to help with their caring responsibilities. This can be taken flexibly and is available to all Carers from day one of their employment.

Protection from discrimination

The Equality Act 2010 protects Carers from discrimination in the workplace and in accessing services. Under the Act, Carers are considered to be ‘associated’ with disabled or elderly individuals, which means they can’t be treated unfairly because of their caring responsibilities.

For example:

  • A Carer can’t be denied a promotion or employment opportunity because of their responsibilities.
  • A pub can’t refuse entry because the person with the Carer is disabled.
  • A shop assistant verbally abusing a parent Carer because of their child’s mental health condition may be discriminating against both people.

Want to understand your rights after a hospital discharge? 

It can be a worrying and uncertain time when someone you are caring for is in hospital and you may wonder what will happen when they leave hospital.

Please see Sefton Carers specific webpages Your Rights - Hospital Discharge


Last Updated on Tuesday, April 15, 2025

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