Hi everyone,

I'm doing some research into carers benefits and whether they are sufficient to meet their living needs. I'd be interested in getting the thoughts of professionals working with carers of both children and adults - and any carers themselves - to find out how far state help goes in making ends meet. Should the government be doing more to help carers' financial situation? Are there any daft quirks in the system that penalise carers for giving up their time?

Look forward to hearing your views.

Dez

Just a quick response as I'm on my way out of the house, but Carers Benefit is a horrible benefit, in my opinion - it is a pittance that barely compensates anyone for the work and time they need to put in and hoops they need to jump through to claim it. It is means-tested and can only be claimed in the person who is cared for is on Attendance Allowance or DLA. Earnings and Tax Credits are counted against it, so it often isn't worth claiming. 

I'm often embarrassed when even discussing it with Carers because it feels like an insult.

 Carers Direct Payments when they are used, can be used creatively though to provide support but the Department of Work and Pensions' response to this group of people is pitiful.