Despite saving the country £5 billion each year, carers are on the lowest benefit of its kind. Carers Allowance is worth just £46.95 per week. Many carers are forced to give up work, unable to make provision for their retirement. It's no suprise that many carers struggle to pay for even the basics.

• 1 in 2 have trouble paying gas and electric bills.
• 2 in 5 can't afford essential repairs to their homes.
• 4 in 5 have given up on holidays.
• 1 in 5 have cut back on food.

Poverty in old age

Carer's Allowance effectively stops for many carers reaching 65.  Although the government has introduced welcome new measures to allow carers over 65 to claim Carer's Allowance, many do not see extra cash in their pockets.  The 'overlapping benefit rule' means, for instance, that carers in receipt of the State Pension and eligible for Carer's Allowance only get one payment. 

But carers said this is not just.  Many carers have been unable to work for a number of years missing out on building up their pension.  They are unable to 'retire' at 65, but continue to work long hours due to their caring role, at a time when their own health may be deteriorating.

Making progress

In 2001 campaigning by Carers Scotland and Carers UK secured:

• a rise in carer premium from £14 to £24 per week
• a new entitlement to a Second State Pension for carers
• an increase in the earnings limit of Carer's Allowance from £50 to £72 per week

Carers Scotland is calling for...

• a rise in carers allowance to the level of the basic state pension
• better financial provision for carers over 65.
• measures to make it easier to juggle work and caring.
• abolition of charging for community care services.
• information to be more easily available about benefits and financial support.