Registering as an unpaid carer to husband

minimadtrix

Hi,
I work full time, my husband is disabled and in receipt of Contributions ESA and Higher Rate DLA.
I have been informed at work that, in order to be able to claim carers rights at work, I have to be officially registered as his carer. Does anyone know where we would do this? Is it with the Benefits Agency/DLA, is it with Social Services? How do I prove that I am his carer. I've searched all holiday to try to find out where we should be registering my 'interest' but can't find anything anywhere (I'm not even sure if I'm in the right place to post such a thread!)

This is quite pressing as he's had a fall and now more incapable of looking after himself that before, so any advice would be grateful.

Thanks

GlasweJen

Maybe your doctor? I know doctors can give free flu jags to family carers even if they aren't in receipt of carers benefits.

minimadtrix

GlasweJen wrote: »

Maybe your doctor? I know doctors can give free flu jags to family carers even if they aren't in receipt of carers benefits.

Thank you, I'd completely overlooked the GP - even though I go to every appointment with him! I will mention it to them.

NYM

Can you get a Carers Emergency Card through your local authority? Although primarily it's in case something should happen to you, it supports the fact that you are a Carer.

Diary

There is no method of officially registering as a carer and your employer is being unfair.

However, our GP surgery actively encourages all carers to let them know of their caring status and that is then 'written' on the carers notes. You could do this and then ask for a print out of just the 'front page' of your notes which will have it on.

minimadtrix

Thank you for the responses so far - they are all very helpful.

I too think that they are being petty - parental rights seem to be a lot easier and more straight forward (it's not like they even ask to see your child, they just assume you have one )

NYM

minimadtrix wrote: »

Thank you for the responses so far - they are all very helpful.

I too think that they are being petty - parental rights seem to be a lot easier and more straight forward (it's not like they even ask to see your child, they just assume you have one )

You can contact these people and they will give you advice. Carers Support...

Mojisola

minimadtrix wrote: »

I work full time, my husband is disabled and in receipt of Contributions ESA and Higher Rate DLA.

I have been informed at work that, in order to be able to claim carers rights at work, I have to be officially registered as his carer.

This is quite pressing as he's had a fall and now more incapable of looking after himself that before, so any advice would be grateful.

Has he had an assessment by a Social Worker for his needs?

You can also ask for a Carer's Assessment which will look at your needs but also set up an emergency plan for what would happen to your husband if you were suddenly unable to look after him.

You could give your work a copy of the assessment as proof of your carer status.

missbiggles1

You could register for Carers Credit which should satisfy your employer.

https://www.gov.uk/carers-credit/eligibility

There's a claim form online on the next page in that link which needs to be signed by a health or social care professional.

ladydisco

I work for a local Carers Centre. ( I don't work for Carers UK, which are the links I've included below) I would ask your employer what they mean by being 'officially registered' as per their policy. They probably don't know..as there is no formal registration. Good luck !

Register with your local Carers Centre, GP and contact Social Services for a carers assessment by email, so you have written evidence of the request. Please speak to your Carers Centre about getting a carer emergency card, they are very important, and often overlooked.

https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/get-resources/looking-after-someone

https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/work-and-career

https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/practical-support/getting-care-and-support/carers-assessment