Carer's Allowance
If you’re working
You can work and get Carer’s Allowance, as long as you spend at least 35 hours in your caring role.
You can get support for you or the person you care for from your employer, local councils and other organisations.
Time off for an emergency
You can ask your employer for time off to deal with an emergency involving someone else who depends on you for care. How much time off you get depends on your situation.
If you do not qualify for time off, your employer may allow you ‘compassionate leave’ for emergency situations.
Flexible working
If you need to work more flexibly, for example work part-time or work from home, you can request flexible working.
You do not have to tell your employer about your caring role or give another reason why you need to work more flexibly.
Respite care or ‘short break’ care
If you need someone to help look after the person you care for while you’re at work, you can apply for respite care (also known as ‘short break’ care).
Respite care options include:
- getting a paid carer or a volunteer to sit with the person you look after for a few hours
- a regular place in a day care centre for the person you care for
Your local council may pay for respite care but you and the person you care for will need an assessment before you can apply.
Contact your local authority for information about local support.
Advice on starting work
If you need help starting or returning to work, contact your local Jobcentre Plus for help on how to combine work with your caring responsibilities.