Overview

You're an unpaid carer if you help a partner, family member or friend because they’re ill or have a disability.

If you're an unpaid carer, you can get:

• support from your local carer centre
• an Adult Carer Support Plan or Young Carer Statement
• financial support
• short breaks from caring
• extra support if you're a young carer
• support when your caring role ends

There's no register of unpaid carers in Scotland. You do not need to be registered to get help and support.

But to get certain types of help you'll need to:

• be eligible and apply for benefits and other financial support
• ask for an Adult Carer Support Plan or Young Carer Statement

More information

• The Carers Rights (Scotland) Act 2016 gives rights to unpaid carers. Read more about your rights as a carer in the Carer’s Charter
• Care Information Scotland has information on supporting your wellbeing
• read 'A helping hand for carers' leaflet or factsheet for more information on the range of support available for you