State of Caring Survey 2024

State of Caring Survey 2024

The State of Caring 2024 survey found that unpaid Carers are finding it increasingly difficult to afford day-to-day living costs, with the worry and anxiety of this affecting their mental health and well-being.

Carers, particularly those receiving Carer’s Allowance and Universal Credit, are struggling to make ends meet, and many are making difficult choices, such as reducing meal sizes or skipping meals. A majority of Carers responding to our survey are now cutting back on social connections, which often provide a vital lifeline helping people to balance caring responsibilities with their own wellbeing. This year’s survey found that:

• 61% of unpaid Carers are worried about living costs and managing in the future, and over a third (35%) don’t feel confident they will be able to manage financially over the next 12 months.

• 28% of Carers are cutting back on essentials like food and heating, an increase from 25% in 2022.

• 28% of Carers said they have had to use credit cards, 22% have used their overdraft and 14% of Carers are in debt because of caring.

• 68% of Carers have cut back on hobbies and leisure activities and 60% have reduced time spent seeing family and friends.

• Over half of Carers (51%) said that their financial situation is having a negative impact on their mental health, and 61% feel stressed or anxious when they think about their financial situation.

• 42% of Carers on Carer’s Allowance are struggling to make ends meet, compared to 27% of all Carers, and 19% of Carers in receipt of Universal Credit use food banks compared to 7% of all Carers.

Navigating the financial systems can be daunting and being a Carer can often be a financial burden. Below you can find a range of topics illustrating the different types of financial support you might be entitled to as a Carer. You may be entitled to claim on behalf of yourself or someone you care for. There are different options available and how to understand the system and seek help.