Article: published on 24 November 2025

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New figures show the pressure on unpaid carers is becoming impossible to ignore. More than half of unpaid carers in Wales are cutting back on food and heating, and in Scotland, 1 in 3 have taken out loans, used credit cards or dipped into overdrafts to cover essentials. These findings come from Carers Wales and Carers Scotland, and they highlight how caring responsibilities are shaping every part of daily life.

To help break down what help and support is available for unpaid carers, Rip Off Britain's Louise Minchin joined BBC Morning Live in the studio.

Across the UK, around 5.8 million people provide unpaid care. Within that number, 1.7 million give 50 hours of care a week or more. That's the equivalent of a full-time job, often without a break, and Carers UK estimates the economic value of this support at around £184 billion a year, close to the size of the NHS budget in England.

Many people who carry out these tasks don't recognise themselves as carers. Nearly half take more than a year to identify as one, and a significant number take more than five years. Without that recognition, they don't ask for support themselves, and you end up with people struggling alone while juggling washing, cooking, cleaning, medication and supervision several times a day.

Louise says:

"Caring affects finances in several ways. Bills rise because people spend more time at home. Heating, lights, hot water and appliances run for longer. There are more washing cycles and more short car journeys to collect medication or attend appointments. On their own, these changes look small but they build up quickly. The biggest strain is often an income drop. Many carers reduce hours at work or leave their jobs altogether because the care they provide takes over the day."

One Morning Live viewer, Moira, explained that she is caring for her husband who has a degenerative condition. She uses several loads of washing a day and asked for help with her water bill, but she was told she was not eligible because she is not on a means-tested benefit.

Support from energy and water companies is usually linked to means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support and income-based Employment and Support Allowance. If anyone in the household receives one of these benefits, it can unlock reduced tariffs, discretionary grants and other schemes to help with rising bills. It is important to check these regularly because rule changes or a shift in circumstances can bring someone into eligibility."

Carer's Allowance is one of the main financial supports. In Scotland, it's called the Carer Support Payment, but the rules are the same.

Main eligibility requirements:

If you meet these criteria, you could receive up to £83.30 a week.

Carers can apply online using the links below or request a paper form.

Louise says:

"Carer's Allowance can also increase entitlement to other support, including Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support. Some carers apply even if they don't take the payment because an underlying entitlement brings the same financial advantages while helping them keep a connection to work. For anyone unsure about what they can claim, speaking with a local carers organisation or Citizens Advice can make the process easier and clearer."

Many viewers contacted the show to share how this role affects them. Cath told us she gave up a well-paid job to care for her husband and now feels guilty for claiming support, even though she knows she needs it.

Suzanne cares for her mum and doesn't receive any help, but says she would continue no matter what. She described the mental strain that comes with the role, something reflected in the research from Carers Wales.

4 in 10 unpaid carers say their mental health is bad or very bad, and 42% say their physical health has been harmed by their caring responsibilities. Caring often happens throughout the day and night. People describe broken sleep, tiredness and difficulty recovering between tasks. Even when the physical workload is lighter, the constant attention needed can be exhausting.

There's also the emotional impact. Many carers delay their own medical appointments because they can't leave the person they support. They miss birthdays, social events and hobbies because their routine is built around someone else's needs.

One of the most important steps for any carer is getting a support assessment.

In England and Northern Ireland, it's called a Carer's Assessment.

In Wales, it's a Carer's Needs Assessment.

In Scotland it's an Adult Carer Support Plan.

All versions look at how caring affects your health, sleep, safety and daily routine. They can lead to practical support such as breaks, equipment to make the home safer and easier to manage, access to carer support groups and help for the emotional pressure that builds up.

You can request an assessment on your local council website in England, Wales and Scotland, or directly from the health and social care trust in Northern Ireland. You should explain that you provide unpaid care and want your own needs assessed. Someone will then arrange a phone call or visit to look at your situation properly.

For those who aren't carers, checking in with someone who is can make a noticeable difference.

Louise says:

"Caring can become isolating. Routines change, spare time disappears and your world can shrink without you realising. Many carers describe feeling permanently alert because there's always another task coming. A quick message, a cup of tea or simply asking how someone is coping helps carers feel seen and understood.

These small gestures remind carers their role matters and that they are valued. They also give carers a moment to talk about their own wellbeing instead of focusing entirely on the person they support."

Morning Live has received many messages from viewers telling us what caring looks like behind closed doors. Terry sent us a poem about caring for his late dad, and members of the Morning Live family have read some of his verses in a special tribute.

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