Rights & Advocacy
As an unpaid carer, you have legal rights and entitlements designed to protect your wellbeing and ensure your voice is heard. Advocacy services can help you understand these rights, speak up with confidence, and get fair access to support and services.
Your Rights as an Unpaid Carer
Caring for someone does not mean you should be overlooked. In England, unpaid carers have rights under the Care Act 2014.
The Right to Be Involved in Decisions
You have the right to be involved in decisions about care and support where it affects you. This includes:
- Care planning
- Reviews of services
- Hospital discharge planning (where appropriate)
Your knowledge and experience as a carer matter and should be taken seriously.
The Right to a Carer’s Assessment
You have the right to a free carer’s assessment from your local council, regardless of:
- Your income
- How long you’ve been caring
- Whether the person you care for has had an assessment
Your Rights at Work
If you are in paid employment, you may have additional rights, including:
- The right to request flexible working
- Protection from discrimination because of your caring role
- The right to Carer’s Leave (where eligible)
You may also be entitled to time off for dependants in emergencies.
The Right to Information and Advice
Local councils must provide carers with clear information and advice about:
- Support services
- Benefits and financial help
- Advocacy services
- How to complain or challenge decisions
You should not have to search alone for help.
Key Things to Remember
- You have rights as an unpaid carer
- You are entitled to assessment and support
- Your voice matters
- Help is available — you don’t have to manage alone
What Is Advocacy?
Advocacy means having someone support you to:
- Understand your rights
- Express your views and wishes
- Challenge decisions you feel are unfair
- Navigate complex systems
An advocate is independent and works in your best interests.
Advocacy can be especially helpful if you:
- Feel overwhelmed or not listened to
- Are facing difficult conversations with professionals
- Need support during assessments, meetings, or complaints
Types of Advocacy Support
- Carers advocacy – focused on your rights and needs as a carer
- Independent advocacy – provided by organisations separate from councils or services
- Peer advocacy – support from people with lived experience of caring
Where to Get Rights & Advocacy Support
Local Council
Adult Social Care teams can arrange carer’s assessments and provide information about local advocacy services.
Local Carers Centres
- Offer advice, advocacy support, and help with forms and meetings.
- Often provide one-to-one support and group sessions.
Free, confidential advice on carers’ rights, benefits, housing, and employment.
National charity providing guidance on carers’ rights, factsheets, and a helpline.
Independent Advocacy Services
Some areas have specialist advocacy organisations that can attend meetings with you or support complaints and appeals.
Types of Advocacy Support
You may want advocacy support if:
You feel your needs are being ignored
You disagree with a decision
You don’t understand what’s being offered
You’re struggling to speak up for yourself