I’ve only been on this site for a short time, it’s been insightful reading peoples messages. It’s given me ideas on how I can look after my mum now she has a stroke (a very bad one). But, I can’t help but wonder are we (unpaid carers) getting unfairly treated? From what I’ve read, a lot of people are getting the sharp end of the stick. From local councils to social services/workers to the government (current & pervious). Why do they treat us as an inconvenience? It make me wonder, why are we an afterthought? What do you (the forum) think? Are we unfairly treated and should we have more say when comes to dealing with the authorities regarding our sick & disabled relatives?
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@jonnyboy81 I feel family carers get an unfair or evil eye from professional carers. Professional carers are only going by the book and some will not go beyond and will state oh, i am not allowed to do that. If I had chosen a career in caring, I would have treated all patients like they were my mother of or grandmother and younger patients like i am their mother. I care from the heart and you can tell by how I carry out my current job. Good luck 
. lots of people on here will have an opinion.
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That is the typical excuse I get 9 time out of 10. I can’t help but think “If this situation happened to one of their family members, I’d bet they would “tweak” the rules in their favor”. Just a thought. Hopefully, I’ve opened the floodgates.
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I only get lower rate Carers’ Allowance despite needing 24 hour care. My poor husband carries the load - not something I want or he wants. Why we can’t have the higher rate I don’t know, and yes, I have challenged it.
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@Dexster, Your case is another version of “one rule for them, other rules for us”.
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They should have explained why you do not qualify when you challenged it.
Qualification for benefits can be and often is a nightmare and appeals can sometimes take ages.
Also, I believe there is only a single rate of carer’s allowance i.e. there is no lower or standard rate.
Carer’s Allowance is generally paid at a single standard weekly rate—£83.30 as of April 2025 (£86.45 from April 2026)—regardless of the number of people cared for. While the rate is standard, total income may differ if you have underlying entitlement with other benefits (like State Pension) or qualify for extra “carer elements” in other means-tested benefits
You probably already know this, but there is information on the GOV.UK website on qualification criteria etc.
Carer’s Allowance: Eligibility - GOV.UK
It should be noted that (unless I am mistaken) getting Carer’s Allowance may affect other benefits you receive and it is taxable if your total income goes above your personal allowance.
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