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<p>The Government recognises and appreciates the vital contribution made by informal
carers, including younger carers, who provide invaluable support for relatives, partners,
friends and neighbours who are ill, frail or disabled.</p><p> </p><p>Carers aged 16
and over can apply for Carer’s Allowance if they meet the qualifying conditions, such
as providing 35 hours of care or more a week, and not being in full-time education.
As of November 2020, there were 75 carers aged 16 to 25 in the Wolverhampton South
West constituency that were receiving Carer’s Allowance. There will undoubtedly be
other young carers in the constituency who are not receiving benefits, but the department
does not hold any information on them.</p><p> </p><p>As well as Carer’s Allowance,
carers have access to the full range of social security benefits according to their
circumstances.</p><p> </p><p>The Government is also committed to making sure young
carers are not left behind and to do so in a way that supports their own health and
wellbeing. Under the Children’s and Families Act 2014, young carers are entitled to
a young carers assessment. And, the Government’s focus on supporting carers during
the pandemic has included: providing over £11 million to the “See, Hear, Respond”
programme to support young carers; guidance tailored to carers; actions to help carers
self-identify; and ongoing to work to help carers access the support they need.</p><p>
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