According to the 2001 census there were approximately 175,000 young carers in the UK, but it is thought that this is likely to be a significant underestimate of those under 18 who have caring responsibilities at home. For most this responsibility will have a significant impact on their work, school or social life.
Successive governments have acknowledged that more needs to be done to support all young carers in all aspects of their caring role and for those young carers over the age of 16 there is some limited financial assistance offered.
Carer’s allowance can be claimed by anyone 16 and over who spends at least 35 hours a week caring for someone, but entitlement is dependent on the person being cared for being in receipt of certain disability benefits. Carer’s allowance is taxable but as anyone of any age is entitled to a personal tax free allowance no tax would become payable unless carer’s allowance and any other taxable income or benefits exceeded their allowance in a tax year.
A claim for income support can also be made if you are over 16 and unable to work because you are caring for a relative who is disabled. Information on eligibility and how to claim can be found on Directgov.
Young carers over the age of 16 who want to continue in education might have been eligible for an education maintenance allowance but, in England (the rules for other parts of the UK differ), this scheme closed to new entrants on 1 January 2011. A new scheme run by schools, colleges or training providers is due to be introduced in September 2011 and we will update our site with full details of the scheme when they are known.
