Nearly 60,000 unpaid carers in Wales to get £500 pandemic payment

Over 57,000 unpaid carers in Wales are to receive a £500 payment in recognition of the pivotal role they have played during the pandemic and the “financial and emotional hardships they have experienced”.

The payment is part of a £29m investment in unpaid carers from the Welsh Government, with those in receipt of Carer’s Allowance on 31 March this year being eligible for the payment.

Julie Morgan, deputy minister for Social Services, said: “Unpaid carers have played a pivotal role throughout the pandemic and we recognise the financial and emotional hardships they have experienced.

“I hope this £500 payment will go some way to supporting them during these difficult times.”

She added: “We are immensely proud of our unpaid carers in Wales, many of whom struggle to make time for themselves because of their caring role, and hope this £29m investment in people shows how much we value and appreciate what they do.”

An unpaid carer is someone who cares for a partner, relative or friend who has an illness or disability. Carers Allowance is paid to people who care for someone receiving certain benefits, for at least 35 hours a week, and who earn no more than £128 a week.

Unpaid carers will be able to submit their claim to local authorities later this year. Further details on how and when to register for the payment will be available shortly.

The payment is being launched after a survey of more than 1,500 unpaid carers found nearly half used their personal savings and gave up work or study to care, while more than half gave up on hobbies or personal interests because of their caring role.

It is hoped the payment of £500 will go some way to easing the financial pressures of unpaid carers who are on low incomes and facing higher costs of living due to the rise in energy bills, yet care for people needing warm homes, specialist medical equipment and certain food,

Kate Young, chair of Wales Carers Alliance and director of the All Wales Forum of Parents and Carers, called it a “positive step towards recognising the unwavering care and support unpaid carers have always given, and will continue to give, especially considering the extra challenges so many families have faced during the pandemic”.