 Changes to benefits mean more carers are now eligible |
Carers could be missing out on "substantial amounts" of unclaimed benefits, social services bosses say. Oxfordshire County Council is urging people who provide unpaid care to a disabled or sick person to find out what help is available.
It says the biggest problem is that many people do not even realize they are officially carers, let alone that there are benefits to claim.
A national survey showed carers may be missing out on �660m in benefits.
An information day is being hosted at The Carers' Centre in Cowley Road, Oxford, to mark Carers' Rights Day on Friday.
Council officer Marcia Davis said: "Many people think looking after a relative or a friend is simply part of normal life. They just get on with it.
"Yet it can have a huge effect on people's health and well-being and prevent them from getting on with their own lives."
More information is available from Oxfordshire Social and Health Care Customer Services on 01865 375515.
You can also ring the Benefits Enquiry Line on 0800 882200 and ask for a Carers Rights Guide, produced by national charity Carers UK.
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