Types of carers

Overview

You are a carer if you provide care or support to someone.

This could be a relative, partner or a friend who has care and support needs and can't manage without help in their day to day life.

You don't have to live with the person you care for.

The help you give could be emotional, physical or practical.

Caring can happen at any time and is likely to impact on your life.

You are not paid for the care you provide. If you get Carer's Allowance, this is not classed as a care payment.

The support that is available to you may be different, depending on the type of carer you are.