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Looking after someone who is ill, frail or disabled can have a big effect on the income of the carer.

Thousands of people who look after family, partners, friends or neighbours in need of help because they are ill, frail or have a disability may be missing out on vital benefits and support – which could have a big effect on their pensions.

Now unpaid carers can find out more by attending special Carers Rights Day events being organised by Kirklees Council Adult Services and partners.

December 2

• 10am to 1pm - Market Place (outside Tony’s Textiles), Dewsbury
• 11am – 2pm - Longcauseway Church, Prince of Wales Precinct, Dewsbury

December 4

• 10am to 2pm - Gateway to Care, 30 Market Street, Huddersfield (outside the bus station).

The events have been organised by Kirklees Council Adult Services, Making Space, Warmzone, Anchor Staying Put, Warm Zone, Revenues and Benefits, Leisure and Libraries, Kirklees Benefits Advice Service, Pension Service, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, Citizens Advice Bureau and Credit Union.

The advice on offer will include:
• advice from West Yorkshire Fire Service on keeping safe at home
• aromatherapy sessions for carers
• chat with trained officers on how to get a carers assessment or other support to help in their caring role
• benefits and pension credit advice
• information about health and social care
The Huddersfield event will also include impartial advice on how to reduce fuel bills by switching energy tariffs.

Kirklees Council is one of more than 1,000 organisations across the UK who take part in Carers Rights Day which is an annual event organised by Carers UK. The aim is to inform carers of the rights, benefits and services they are entitled to.

Cllr Molly Walton, Cabinet Member for Adults and Communities, said: “Making ends meet is at the top of everyone’s agenda at the moment, but carers face a particularly tough battle to get by. As well as the stresses of caring for a loved one, carers often have to cope with higher bills and the costs of caring whilst being unable to work because of their caring responsibilities. I urge anyone looking after a friend or family member to come along to our events as they will be offered information and advice on how to ensure they are receiving everything they are entitled to.”

Angela Eagle, Minister of State for Pensions and the Ageing Society, said: “Carers play an essential role in our society. Their value to those they care for, and to their communities, is immeasurable. We need to make sure that
these carers, who offer so much support to others, are also caring for themselves. It is important that they are planning for their futures and getting advice.”

Imelda Redmond, Chief Executive of Carers UK said: “Many people assume that we all automatically get a state pension, but you don’t. Pensions are built up from National Insurance contributions over the years. Many carers haven’t been able to make those contributions because of gaps in paid work and, despite their huge contribution to our society, there is a real risk that end up they will end up with less pension in their retirement. That is why it is so important they get advice and take steps to protect their pensions.”

Carers UK have produced an information booklet for carers who want information about their entitlements called Looking After Someone? – A guide to carers’ rights and benefits. A new booklet ‘Caring about your pension’ has
also been produced. Carers can order copies of the booklets by calling CarersLine on 0808 808 7777 or emailing carersrightsday@carersuk.org

For more information please call Kirklees Council Gateway to care on 01484 223000.