Your rights as a carer
We know that many of our parents don’t consider themselves to be carers. But it’s important to recognise that the extra responsibilities you have when caring for a disabled child means you are an unpaid carer, and being an unpaid carer gives you certain rights.
Inspired by our partners, Carers West Sussex, and in time for Carers Rights Day, Amaze has put together this short guide to carers’ rights, which are just as applicable if you are caring for a disabled child or young person as another relative.
What is a carer?
A carer is anyone who provides unpaid care and support to someone with a disability, an illness, a health condition (including mental health) or an addiction.
What are your rights?
- Right to be identified as a carer
Tell your GP you are an unpaid carer and ask to go on their carer’s register. This may put you on the priority list for extra health support such as flu vaccinations or annual health checks. It may also mean you can request accessible appointments.
- Right to request flexible working. Every employee has the right to request flexible working from day one of their employment. This includes requesting part-time, compressed hours, working from home and job share. Make sure you detail your caring responsibilities as a parent carer when making a request for flexible working. You may be able to call on laws around Disability Discrimination if you are turned down. Read more about flexible working for parents and carers of disabled children from Working Families.
- Right to unpaid leave from your employment. You are entitled to request carer’s leave to help you care for any dependent with a disability, from day one of your employment. This is usually no more than week’s work (pro-rata if you are part-time). Carer’s leave is usually unpaid, though some employers may include paid hours as part of your employment package. Carer’s leave is separate from unpaid parental leave and time off for dependents. You may be able to use these alternatives to manage appointments or unexpected emergencies. Find out more about Carer’s Leave from Working Families.
- Right not to suffer discrimination or harassment. The Equality Act 2010 does not just protect disabled people from disability discrimination; it also protects anyone associated with a disabled person, if they are being treated differently because of that association. Find out more about discrimination against parents and carers in the workplace from Working Families.
- Right to ask for a carer’s assessment
As a carer of a disabled child or young person, you are entitled to a ‘carer’s needs assessment’ if you request one. This focuses on your needs around work, education, having a social life and wellbeing. You can ask for a carer’s assessment by contacting your local authority. If your child is under 18 your carer’s assessment may be combined with assessing your child’s needs. Read more about the carer’s assessment on our Social care page.
- Right to carer’s benefits.
As an unpaid carer, you may qualify for certain benefits or credits such as Carers Allowance or the carer’s element of Universal Credit. Locally, you may be entitled to a Carer’s Card which give you access to discounts and offers on health and wellbeing activities. Visit our benefits section to find out more about disability and carer’s benefits. Or visit the government’s Moneyhelper website for information on benefits you can claim as a carer.
- Right to a free flu jab
If you are the main carer for a disabled person who may be put at risk if you became ill, you should be offered a free flu jab. If you haven’t been invited and you feel you want a jab, you can request one from your GP surgery or local pharmacist. You may want to get yourself put on the carer’s register at the same time (see point 1).
- Right to be consulted when an adult is discharged from hospital
If you are caring for a young person aged 18 and over and they have a hospital stay, the hospital has a duty to ensure that you are involved in plans for their discharge as early as possible. As part of the Health and Care Act 2022, this applies to all carers of adults needing care and support following hospital discharge.
We hope you found this summary of carer’s rights helpful. If you want to find out more about rights for disabled children and young people, visit our page on Rights, voice and decision making.
