"If only I'd been told about my benefits, I could have turned the heat up a bit and taken my husband out."

Getting the right information at the right time is crucial for carers. It can make the difference between finding support and being able to cope and feeling isolated and alone. New research from Carers UK reveals that nearly 60% of carers surveyed missed out on benefits for over three years because they didn't know they were entitled to them. Yet there are many ways that carers can be identified and given information and support.

Every year over two million people in the UK become carers. They make up the nation's six million carers who look after a friend, family member or loved one. New statistics published by Carers UK, show the shocking loss of income and support that is rightfully theirs. As well as missing out on some £740 million of unclaimed benefits, they are not getting the services or information they need, particularly in the vital first year of caring.

Just finding out the basics - such as how to get your home adapted, or your rights at work can be fraught with difficulties. Some people don't even consider themselves a carer - because they don't go near services they miss out on getting a helping hand.

These findings have been backed up recently by a major national report which found shortfalls in the provision of information and highlighted the difficulties carers face in finding out about services.

The Commission for Social Care Inspection looked at what support was provided to carers by councils.

There are some positive findings:

• 63% of councils report they have been engaged in awareness raising and providing information to carers in response to the Carers (Equal Opportunities) Act 2004.

• Councils are distributing leaflets; running awareness days; offering websites, seminars and network opportunities; working with the voluntary sector and NHS; and providing personal contacts to ensure carers are reached and better informed. However, CSCI was unable to assess their real success in reaching carers.

Penny Banks, Head of Information and Reporting at CSCI commented on the report, “Some inspections of council services to people with learning disabilities suggest shortfalls remain in the provision of information about assessments and services. Less than half of the carers surveyed said they had been informed of their right to an assessment of their own needs.”