Burnham urges carers to care for their incomes and pensions

9.00.00am GMT Sat 28th Nov 2009

Burnham urges carers to care for their incomes and pensions

Eleanor Burnham, Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for North Wales has added her support to Carers UK's national carers' rights campaign on Friday 4th December 2009.

There are over 375,000 unpaid carers in the Wales who provide care and support to family, friends and neighbours, providing unpaid care in Wales worth an estimated £4.69 billion each year. The Carers Rights Day campaign, run by Carers UK, seeks to increase the take-up of benefits and raise awareness of carers' rights and the support that they may be able to get in order to protect their pensions. It might be the Carer's Allowance, council tax discount, Pension Credit or Housing Benefit that makes a difference.

Eleanor Burnham said "It's a real concern that carers in North Wales may not be getting all the help they are entitled to. Carers are fulfilling a vital role in society and without them the NHS and social care system would not be able to cope. It is essential that they are given information about their rights so that they get the support they need in order to plan for their futures."

Carers UK urged carers to get in touch with its Adviceline (0808 808 7777 or www.carersuk.org) to receive a free Caring about your pension booklet and Looking after someone: A carer's guide to rights and entitlements booklet. Carers can also request booklets from Eleanor Burnham's Regional Office in Wrexham (01978 366154).

Roz Williamson, Director, Carers Wales said, "Many people assume that we will all automatically get a state pension, but you don't. Pensions are built up from National Insurance contributions over the years. Many carers haven't been able to make those contributions because of gaps in paid work and, despite their huge contribution to our society, there is a real risk that they will end up with less pension in their retirement. That is why it is so important they get advice and take steps to protect their pensions."