MORE THAN 700 people who are looking after ill or loved ones on the Island are missing out on the Carer’s Allowance, according to figures recently published.
Estimates from the charity Carers UK suggest that 711 Islanders are among 30,299 carers in the South East who are missing out on a total of £84.9 million worth of Carer’s Allowance each year.
This means that carers, who are often isolated, unsupported and unaware of the support they can get end up cutting back on essentials like food and heating to make ends meet.
On the Island there are 1,320 carers in receipt of the Carer’s Allowance, and between them they receive more than £3.6million per annum. But the total number on the Islanders eligible for the Allowance actually number 2,031, leaving a shortfall of 711, with the total value of unclaimed benefit more than £1.9million.
Imelda Redmond, CBE, Chief Executive of Carers UK, said: “Over 272,000 people become carers every year in the South East, and we hear from families who are simply not told about the support that is there for them.
“Many also don’t see themselves as carers, but as mothers, sons, partners and friends looking after ill or disabled loved-ones. As a result, many miss out on support and end up caring round the clock without a break, and struggling to pay even basic food and heating bills.
“We rely heavily on the support provided by carers, which has been valued at a staggering £87 billion per year across the country. It is crucial that all parts of our society work to identify carers and ensure they get the support they need.”
Carers UK is today (Dec 3) holding the tenth annual Carers’ Rights Day, which aims to inform carers everywhere of the financial and other support to which they are legally entitled.
Over 700 community events are also taking place across the UK on Carers Rights Day to provide advice and info to carers wherever they are; including GPs surgeries, supermar-kets, libraries, disability groups, job centres and schools as well as employers. Carers UK is also calling on members of the public to tell someone they know who is caring, to find out their entitlements.
Carers who want information about their entitlements can order a free guide by:
• Visiting www.carersuk.org
• Ringing 0808 808 7777
• Writing to Carers UK, 20 Great Dover St, London SE1 4LX
• Emailing [email protected]
