Carers
In short: If you look after someone, you can ask the council for your own free carer's assessment. You may also get Carer's Allowance and support from Carers UK.
Looking after a partner, parent, child or friend counts as caring. You have rights of your own. Start with a carer's assessment from the council — it is free, and your money does not block it.
- Free carer's assessment letterCopy or download a letter to ask your council for a carer's assessment.
- Care needs assessment for the person you supportHelp the person you care for ask for their own free assessment.
- Find your councilGet the right council contact from your postcode.
- Carer's Allowance on GOV.UKCheck if you can claim Carer's Allowance.
- Carers UKFree advice and support for unpaid carers.
Where this applies: England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have different rules.
Written by Social Care Made Easy. Last checked: 25 October 2026.