How to Register as a Carer

Did you know it's possible to get officially recognised as a carer? Whether you look after a family member, friend, or someone in your community who needs support because of their disability, registering as a carer is a vital step towards getting the help you deserve. Here’s a simple guide on how to register as a carer with organisations that can support you in this vital role.

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❤️ 1: Understand Who Qualifies as a Carer

Firstly, it’s important to define what a carer is. In the UK, a carer is someone who provides regular and substantial care for a person who cannot manage daily tasks without this support due to illness or disability. While we might often think of carers as professional care workers employed by a care home or agency - including personal assistants and support workers - many carers support family members or friends on an unpaid basis. There are around 5.8 million unpaid carers in the UK as of the end of 2024.

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✍ 2: Apply for a Carer’s Assessment

Every carer is entitled to an assessment by their local council to see what support might be available. This is called a Carer’s Assessment, and it's designed to understand your needs and how your caring responsibilities affect your life, and therefore what support you might need for yourself in your caring role.

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During the assessment, you’ll discuss your caring role, what you’re managing well, and which aspects you might need more support for. The assessment looks at practical aspects of caring, like time off and respite care, and broader issues, including your own health and wellbeing.

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If you’ve been asking yourself, “how do I register as a carer with my local council”, head to your local council’s website and find the pages on Carer’s Assessment to get started.

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💷 3: Consider Applying for Carer’s Allowance

Carer’s Allowance is financial support from the UK government for carers who meet certain criteria. To be eligible, you need to be over 16, spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone who receives a qualifying disability benefit, and earn no more than £128 a week after deductions. Carer's Allowance amounts to £81.90 per week for those who qualify, which can help alleviate some of the financial cost associated with being an unpaid carer.

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You can find out more about Carer’s Allowance and apply on the gov.uk website here.

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👩🏻‍⚕️ 4: How Do I Register as a Carer With My GP?

Another crucial step in your journey as a carer is to inform your GP about your caring responsibilities. This is an important step because carers may sometimes neglect their own health while focusing on the needs of the person they care for. By making your GP aware of your situation, they can offer more tailored health advice and potentially provide access to local support groups. These local groups can provide invaluable connections with other carers, allowing you to share experiences and advice and build a support network to help you manage the emotional and physical demands of care.

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🪪 5: Apply for a National Carers Card

Many unpaid carers frequently encounter situations where they need to show that they are a carer, for example at venues or while travelling. The National Carers Card is designed to be recognised nationwide and abroad as proof of your carer status, with banknote-grade design and high-security features. As a National Carers Card holder, you're also entitled to hundreds of discounts on everyday expenses such as groceries, mobility aids, food delivery, fashion and wellness. Apply for the National Carers Card here.