Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps she is taking to support (a) young carers and (b) carers who are retired and care for a spouse or close relative who is also retired.

DWP provides support for adult carers, including both younger and pensioner carers, through a range of social security benefits depending on their individual circumstances. Some benefits, including Universal Credit and Pension Credit, are designed to provide extra support for carers. Others living in the same household as the carer, including potentially the disabled person being cared for, may be receiving benefits in their own right, so would also be able to contribute to overall household finances.

The Government is committed to making sure young carers are not left behind and to do so in a way that supports their own health and wellbeing. Support for carers is not just restricted to that from Central Government though. Under the Children’s and Families Act 2014, young carers are entitled to a young carers assessment from their Local Authority.