Women more likely to be carers than men

Women are twice as likely as men to be carers according to national poverty charity Turn2us. The charity is highlighting the gender gap as it calls for more support for carers.  The charity is pointing to figures that have just been published by the Department of Work and Pensions which show that there are 803,670 people in the UK who are receiving Carer’s Allowance, and that 579,850 are female compared to 223,820 that are male. Turn2us says that most of the female carers would be women looking after a family member such as a parent, partner or child.

The charity receives a large number of calls from carers who are struggling to make ends meet. Many are unsure of the welfare benefits that they are entitled to or that they could be eligible for hardship grants. Turn2us says that it is not unusual for a carer to not realise that they are entitled to support such as Carer’s Allowance, particularly if the person that they are caring for is a family member.

The charity says that it is crucial that carers receive all of the support that they are entitled to because of the impact that caring can have on their ability to undertake full-time or even part-time work.

Simon Hopkins, Chief Executive of Turn2us, said: “Many people become carers when a family member is no longer able to look after themselves and requires support. As this is often a gradual process with the support requirements growing over time, a person might not actually think of themselves as a carer.

“Nevertheless, their caring responsibilities can have a huge impact on their life and limit their earning potential. It is therefore crucial that people realise that they are carers and are entitled to a range of support themselves.”

Turn2us is urging anyone who is caring for someone with a disability to seek its help at Turn2us.org.uk. It says that it can help carers understand and access the support that they are eligible for and entitled to.