Unpaid carers in Wales and access to financial and statutory support

Carers Trust’s vision is that carers are heard and valued, with access to support, advice and resources to enable them to live fulfilled lives. As part of this, Carers Trust believes that no carer should be pushed into poverty or financial disadvantage by their caring role.

The cost-of-living crisis has affected unpaid carers differently perhaps to the rest of the population, as the costs associated with their caring role is also increasing.

These costs can include things like specialist equipment, energy to power the equipment, for some an inability to use public transport because of accessibility reasons, a special diet for the person they care for, and, for many, being dependent on Carer’s Allowance.

The specific challenge of financial hardship is addressed in this report in the context of wider unpaid carer support. It considers carers’ access to financial support, including information, advice, and assistance to claim state benefits, and other means of support.

This report further aims to understand the complex interplay between the local implementation by local authorities of Welsh policy and legislation alongside policy to support unpaid carers reserved to UK Government.

Find details in relation to the Freedom of Information request to local authorities regarding the £500 grant for unpaid carers here: Findings from Carers Trust's freedom of information request.