The Care Act strengthens the rights of people who care for a disabled adult.

Key rights for carers

The Care Act sets out the following rights for people who care for a disabled adult:

  • A carer will be entitled to an assessment if it appears that they need support. The carer’s assessment must establish whether the carer is willing and able to continue providing care to the disabled person they are caring for, what impact this has on the carer’s wellbeing, what outcomes the carer wishes in day-to-day life, and whether the carer wishes to access education , training, or recreational activities.
     
  • The carer will have the same rights to an assessment and support as the disabled adult themselves. Therefore once a carer’s assessment has been carried out, the local authority will see which of the carer’s needs are eligible for support, and will then produce a support plan to meet the carer’s needs.
     
  • Local authorities are under a duty to meet a carer’s eligible needs, subject to a financial assessment.

Useful links on The Care Act

Useful resources

We've created the following factsheets to help you with the benefits application, Care Act assessment and follow-up process:

  • Delays in receiving benefits (PDF, 52 KB) - this factsheet explains the options that may be available to you whilst you're waiting for your first payment.
     
  • Mandatory reconsiderations (PDF, 48 KB)  - this factsheet explains what to do if you wish to challenge a benefit decision.
     
  • Reasonable adjustments (PDF, 425 KB) - this factsheet explains what changes should be made by the Job Centre and DWP for people with a learning disability who are looking to claim benefits.
     
  • What happens next (PDF, 367 KB) - this factsheet sets out what should happen after your Care Act assessment.
     
  • Reviews and new assessments (PDF, 219 KB) - this factsheet is for people who already receive care and support through a package of social care and what they can expect from the review and assessment process.
     
  • Direct payments (PDF, 72 KB) - this factsheet explains how people with a learning disability and their families can receive direct payments to arrange their social care support themselves.

Support for carers

Schoolboy in classroom with female teacher

Caring for a child

Do you care for a child or young person who has a learning disability?

If so, take a look at what support is available to you, your family, and the person with a learning disability.

Find out more

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