Carers benefits at risk

Dec 4 2009 by Stuart Wilson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

CARERS in South Ayrshire may not be getting all the help that they are eligible for.

Over 11,000 paid and unpaid carers are currently working in South Ayrshire and they may not be claiming the benefits and services they are entitled to in order to protect their income and pensions.

There are over six million unpaid carers in the UK – providing care worth an estimated £87bn every year – and Carers’ Rights Day on December 4 seeks to raise awareness of carers’ rights such as Carer’s Allowance, council tax discount and Pension Credit.

MSP John Scott, who is supporting the event, said: “Carers are fulfilling a vital role in society and without them the NHS and social care system would find it very difficult to cope.

“It is essential that they are given information about their rights so that they get the support they need in order to plan for their futures.”

And Patrick Begley, director of Carers UK, explained: “Many people assume that you will all automatically get a state pension, but you don’t.

“Pensions are built up from National Insurance contributions over the years, and despite carers’ huge contribution to society, there may be gaps in paid work and there is a real risk that they will end up with less pension in their retirement.

“That is why it is so important they get advice and take steps to protect their pensions.”

Further information is available from www.carersscotland.org or on 0808 808 7777.