Hundreds of West Berkshire carers not claiming for support, new figures show

The data shows that around £1,522,430 of Carer’s Allowance is unclaimed in the district alone, a total which rises to almost £9.5m for the whole of Berkshire.
The benefit is one of the main forms of financial support available to those who provide care for an older, seriously ill or disabled family member or friend, and the Berkshire Carers Service is now urging all carers to contact them service to check they are getting the financial help and practical support they are entitled to.
The chief executive of Berkshire Carers Service, Elspeth McPherson, said: “These shocking figures show that many unpaid carers are not recognising themselves as such and are not coming forward to seek support.
“Carer’s Allowance remains the lowest benefit of its kind, at just £59.75 a week for carers caring for 35 hours a week or more but it can help to offset the loss of earnings and the extra household and transport costs caring brings.
“It also provides National Insurance contributions towards the State Pension.
“It is vital that anyone caring seeks advice to check that they are not missing out on their entitlements.”
The figures are based on Department of Work and Pensions Carer’s Allowance take-up figures from May 2013.
For more information, contact the Berkshire Carers Service by calling 0800 988 5462.