Rights under the Carers Act

You’ve supported others - now let us support you. We’re here to help you access what you’re entitled to and empower you.

Information on this page is relevant to the Highland Health and Social Care Partnership area. For the Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership area, read about Support for carers at the Argyll and Bute Council website.

Financial support

As an unpaid carer in Scotland, you may be eligible for a range of financial support to help with the costs of your caring role. Explore the benefits available to you and find out how to apply for them here.

Get help

Navigating support options can be confusing and overwhelming, but the Highland Council Welfare Support Team and our commissioned services are here to help, guide, and support you every step of the way.

Can I speak to someone who will check if I am missing out on benefits or financial support?

Yes - the Highland Council Welfare Support Team offers a free service to check if you are entitled to any extra benefits or financial help. They will look at your full situation and make sure you are not missing out on anything.

Are all benefits means-tested?

No - some benefits depend on your income and savings (means-tested), but others do not. The team will check what you qualify for.

Is the service confidential?

Yes - everything you discuss with the team is private and confidential and they will not share it with 3rd parties without your consent.

What if I am hard of hearing or have communication needs?

Support is available for people who are hard of hearing or have other communication needs. Let the team know what help you need, and they will make arrangements.

Can someone help me fill in the forms?

Yes - the team can help you complete claim forms and applications. This can be done in person, over the phone, local authority office or a home visit if needed.

Commissioned services

Our commissioned services are here to help you navigate the financial and legal aspects of your caring role. They offer expert guidance and support to ensure you understand your rights and available benefits.

Mobilise - offers resources, financial toolkits, and support for carers.
Connecting Carers - provides advice and assistance with legal and financial matters related to your role.
Partners in Advocacy - offers advocacy support for carers, helping you navigate complex issues and protect your rights.

Find out more about commissioned services.

Legal protections

As an unpaid carer, you have legal rights under important laws that protect you:

Equality Act 2010 - protects you from discrimination at work and when accessing services
Carers (Scotland) Act 2016 - gives you the right to ask for support, such as flexible working hours or a carer’s assessment from your local council.

These laws ensure you are treated fairly and receive the support you need as a carer.

Important: Have your say on the future of employment rights for unpaid carers

This UK Government consultation is open until 1 September 2026:

Make Work Pay: employment rights for unpaid carers and parents of seriously ill children

Complete and return the pdf document provided, or respond online.

We know that too many unpaid carers struggle to balance work and caring responsibilities. Many delay returning to work, reduce their hours, or leave the labour market entirely to provide the support others depend on, with an estimated cost to the economy of £37bn a year.

Supporting unpaid carers who want to work alongside their caring responsibilities is an important element of our plans to modernise the world of work, ensuring that there are good jobs for unpaid carers, and a skilled workforce for employers.

This consultation seeks to examine whether this measure, and employment rights for unpaid carers more broadly, remain fit for purpose and to identify whether there are improvements that could make a meaningful difference. It marks an important opportunity to take a fresh and detailed look at employment rights for unpaid carers.

If this consultation is successful, the outcome will make such a difference to the life's and work/life balance of working unpaid carers.

Unpaid carers

NHS Highland recognise the essential role that unpaid carers play and wants to provide support to unpaid carers to li...
Rights under the Carers Act

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