I'm a carer and I'm struggling
Unpaid carers have rights of their own. You can have your own assessment, even if the person you care for refuses theirs.
The interactive version is available in 6 languages and Easy Read. It includes a ready-made letter you can fill in.
Your rights
- A carer's assessment from the council, looking at your needs, not just theirs.
- Support in your own right if you have eligible needs (for example breaks, equipment, or help with wellbeing).
- If you're employed, up to one week of unpaid carer's leave a year, from your first day in the job.
- To ask your employer for flexible working.
- Protection from discrimination at work because of your link to a disabled person.
What to do next
- Ask your council for a carer's assessment. You can do this separately from the person you care for.
- Tell your GP you're a carer so it goes on your record.
- Check benefits such as Carer's Allowance on GOV.UK.
- Carers UK's helpline (0808 808 7777) gives free advice.
Say this
“I'm requesting a carer's assessment under section 10 of the Care Act 2014.”
The law behind it (England)
- Care Act 2014s.10 carer's assessment, s.20 duty to meet carer's needs
- Carer's Leave Act 2023unpaid carer's leave
- Equality Act 2010discrimination by association
Elsewhere in the UK
- Scotland
- In Scotland, the Carers (Scotland) Act 2016 gives you the right to an Adult Carer Support Plan.
- Wales
- In Wales, carers have equal rights to assessment under the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014.
- Northern Ireland
- In Northern Ireland, the Carers and Direct Payments Act (NI) 2002 gives you the right to a carer's assessment.
Easy Read
What you need to know
- You look after someone who is ill, disabled or older. You are a carer.
- You have your own rights.
- The council must check what help you need. This is a carer’s assessment.
- If you have a job, you can take up to 1 week off a year to care. This time off is unpaid.
What you can do
- Ask your council for a carer’s assessment.
- Tell your doctor you are a carer.
Last reviewed: November 2026. This is general information, not legal advice. How we check our information.