For the money, see Carer's Allowance and Carer's Credit.
Quick facts
- Carer's assessment
- From your Health and Social Care Trust
- Age
- 16 or over, caring for an adult
- Two carers at home
- Both entitled to an assessment
- Flexible working
- Ask after 26 weeks
- Carer's Allowance
- At 35 hours a week
- Full State Pension
- 35 qualifying years
Your carer's assessment
If you provide a regular and significant amount of care for someone, you are entitled to a carer's assessment from your Health and Social Care Trust. A carer's assessment means social services will look at your situation and see if you are entitled to any services that could make your caring role easier for you.
If you are aged 16 and provide regular and significant care for someone aged 18 or over, you have the right to an assessment of your needs as a carer. If there is more than one carer providing regular care in your household, you are both entitled to an assessment. To ask, contact the Carer Coordinator in your HSC Trust, or ask your GP to.
Working while caring
Whether you choose to work, care or a combination of both, you are entitled to a carer's assessment. Employees can take unpaid time off to deal with an emergency involving someone who depends on them, whatever their length of service.
To be eligible for flexible working, you must have worked for the employer for 26 weeks continuously at the date you apply. You can only make one request in any 12-month period. Your employer must seriously consider it and can only refuse for good business reasons.
Your State Pension
If you cannot work or don't earn enough to pay National Insurance because you are caring, you may still be credited with National Insurance contributions. You need 35 qualifying years on your National Insurance record to get a full new State Pension. You will usually need at least ten qualifying years to get some new State Pension.
Carer's Allowance
If you give care to someone for at least 35 hours a week, you might be eligible for Carer's Allowance. You can claim online or on a form.
Common questions
Who can get a carer's assessment in Northern Ireland?
Anyone 16 or over providing regular and significant care to an adult, from their Health and Social Care Trust. Two carers in one household can both have one.
Do I need to have worked somewhere a year to take time off for an emergency at home?
No. Employees can take unpaid time off for an emergency involving a dependant whatever their length of service.