Check you are getting you full benefit entitlement

The Minister made the request as he helped launch this year’s Carers NI guide - ‘Looking after Someone’ on International Carers’ Rights Day. The guide provides advice on both financial and practical help available to carers in Northern Ireland.

Minister McCausland said: “Carers play an important role in society and sometimes their own needs are overlooked. Many carers may not realise that they may be entitled to a number of benefits such as Carer’s Allowance, Income Support, Pension Credit, Employment and Support Allowance and Job Seekers Allowance to name but a few.

Minister continued: “Carers’ Rights Day is an opportunity to let people know what support, through the benefits system, is available for them. I would urge all carers today to Make the Call to the Benefit Advice Line, 0800 232 1271, to ensure they are getting all the financial help they are entitled to.”

Helen Ferguson, Northern Ireland Director, Carers Northern Ireland said: “Every year, more than 69,000 people in Northern Ireland become carers. Many of them accept caring as part and parcel of family life and don’t recognise themselves as carers - but this means they can miss out on vital support. Even those who have been caring for years sometimes aren’t aware of their entitlements.

“This is why we hold Carers’ Rights Day, to let people know what is available. It is also about increasing the take up of benefits; making sure carers know their rights; guiding carers towards practical support and raising awareness of the needs of carers. To help carers find out what is available, Carers Northern Ireland has produced a brand new booklet - Looking after Someone. The booklet provides advice on both financial and practical help which may be available to carers in Northern Ireland.”

Helen Ferguson concluded: “I am calling on everyone to help carers access support and advice - so if you know someone who cares for an ill or disabled loved one, make sure they find out about the benefits and other help they may be entitled to.”

Copies of the free carers advice booklet - Looking after Someone can be obtained by calling Carers Northern Ireland’s advice and information service on 028 9043 9843 or email [email protected].