Carers Rights Day

Carers Rights Day 2009 is about ensuring that carers get all the financial support they are entitled to now and for their future.

When giving up work to care, if carers don't get the right advice, they could be missing out on vital contributions to their state pension, which could affect them long term. Many carers who are already claiming a pension aren't claiming entitlements to extra financial support that could make all the different to their finances.

Each year, events are run across the country to:

• Increase take up of benefits - estimates suggest that 40-60% of disability benefits go unclaimed. There are no firm statistics on the takeup of carers’ benefits but it is estimated that £740 million of carers' benefits goes unclaimed each year.
• Make sure carers know their rights - every year, more than 2 million people become carers for the first time. Those new to caring need straightforward and accessible information about their entitlements. Time after time carers say they need clear information and this is what Carers’ Rights Day is about.
• Guide carers towards practical support - access to practical support can be vital in maintaining carers’ health and well-being and can help to ensure that they are not isolated and socially excluded. This might include time off, help with lifting and bathing, equipment or adaptations to the home or access to leisure activities for their disabled son or daughter.
• Raise awareness of the needs of carers -  carers want the same life chances that other people enjoy - good health, financial security, the right to a family life, opportunities to work and pursue their own interests. But the reality for many carers is vastly different. Carers Rights Day raises awareness of the needs of carers with policy makers and professionals.

How can Macmillan help?

• Macmillan supports people living with cancer, and their carers, to access the financial help they need. We provide benefits advice via our cancer support specialists and network of local benefits advisers .
• We work with more than 950 cancer support groups for both carers and people living with cancer. By joining a group you can spend time with people who share and understand your experience. Search for a group near you.
• Macmillan also offers a range of free workshops and courses across the UK to support people living with cancer and their carers. To find those taking place in your community visit www.macmillan.org.uk/learnzone
• You can also order Hello, and how are you? (PDF, 1.3mb) , a guide for carers, by carers. It contains practical tips for caring for someone with cancer, wherever they are on their cancer journey.