You might call it "just being there." You might see it as simply being a devoted partner, a supportive friend, or a good child. But if someone’s daily life depends on your help, there is another name for what you do: unpaid carer. Acknowledging that title isn't about changing your relationship, it’s about unlocking the recognition, support, and much-needed rest you’ve earned. In this guide, we’ll help you identify if this role applies to you and show you exactly how to claim help, including how to book two well-earned hotel breaks a year through Carefree.
What is an unpaid carer?
In the UK, an unpaid carer is anyone, adult or child, who provides support to someone who needs help with daily life or couldn’t otherwise care for themselves. This could be due to illness, frailty, disability, or mental health issues.
One aspect that sometimes stops people realising they are a carer is that the cared for person is not an immediate relative. However, your cared-for person doesn't have to be a family member, and you don’t have to live with them. Whether you are popping in for a few hours a week to manage someone's medication or providing 24/7 personal care, as long as you receive no compensation, you are considered an unpaid carer.
The work unpaid carers provide is crucial. Millions of unpaid carers in Great Britain provide a staggering level of support. In fact, unpaid carers save the UK public purse £183 billion annually. That is more than the entire yearly budget of the NHS.
Do I fit the criteria of an unpaid carer?
If you are unsure if your situation "counts," consider these three key factors:
No Payment: You don’t receive a professional salary for your caring responsibilities.
Nature of Support: It isn't just "personal care" (like washing or dressing). It includes housework, shopping, managing finances, emotional support, and "keeping an eye" on someone to ensure they are safe.
Intensity: There is no minimum hour requirement to be a carer. While some benefits like Carer’s Allowance require 35+ hours of care per week, you are a carer even if you provide support for just a few hours alongside a full-time job.
What is considered unpaid care?
The support provided by unpaid carers is varied and often adapts to the changing needs of the person being cared for. Because these tasks often feel like "just helping out," many people don't realise they are actually performing a caregiving role.
Tasks that fall under unpaid care might include:
Personal Care: Helping someone wash, dress themselves, or manage other aspects of personal hygiene.
Medical Support: Taking someone to hospital or GP appointments and staying to help navigate their healthcare.
Emotional Support: Providing company, conversation, and emotional stability for someone struggling with their mental or physical health.
Practical Help: Handling housework, food shopping, and picking up or administering medication.
Whether you provide these services for a few hours a week or 50+ hours while juggling a job, this is caregiving.
Available support for unpaid carers
If you have identified yourself as an unpaid carer, there is support available to help with your health, finances, and wellbeing. The most critical first step is requesting a Carer’s Assessment from your local council. This is a free consultation to identify what practical help such as equipment, training, or housework assistance. Read our full guide on what to expect from a Carer’s Assessment here.
Beyond this, you may be entitled to financial support through Carer’s Allowance (currently £83.30 per week if you provide 35+ hours of care) or Carer’s Credits to protect your State Pension. We also have full guides on the types of financial support available to unpaid carers in England & Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Taking a well deserved break with Carefree
At Carefree, we know that you cannot pour from an empty cup. To provide great care, you need a chance to be "you" again, away from the responsibilities of your role. That’s where we come in. We transform vacant hotel rooms into 1-2 night breaks so you and a guest can take some time for yourself, enjoy breakfast and have a real proper good night’s sleep.
It's a simple process.
You’ll need to provide proof of identity and your caring status. Upload documents, or nominate someone as a referee.
Browse break opportunities from anywhere in the UK!
Select one, wait for your confirmation, and get ready for your staycation!
If you are over 18 and provide more than 30 hours of care, you can register with us and book two of these breaks per year!
Sarah, an unpaid carer who stayed at the Marine Hotel
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who counts as an unpaid carer?
Anyone who provides unpaid support to a family member, partner, or friend who needs help due to physical or mental illness, disability, or frailty.
What is the definition of unpaid care?
Unpaid care is support given to someone who couldn’t otherwise care for themselves without a wage. It covers a broad range of tasks including personal care, medication management, shopping, cleaning, and emotional companionship.
Who is responsible for providing unpaid care?
Legally, there is no requirement for a family member to provide care; however, millions do so voluntarily. The responsibility for ensuring care needs are met ultimately lies with local authorities (councils), but they rely heavily on the support provided by unpaid carers.
How much care do I need to provide to be an unpaid carer?
There is no minimum time limit. You are an unpaid carer whether you provide 5 hours or 50+ hours of support a week. However, to qualify for certain financial benefits like Carer's Allowance, you must provide at least 35 hours of care per week.
What support do unpaid carers qualify for?
Carers may be eligible for financial aid (Carer’s Allowance), local council support (via a Carer’s Assessment), emotional support groups, and respite breaks—such as the hotel stays provided by Carefree.
