Finances

Our theme for Carers Week, Caring About Equality, offers a chance to highlight the significant financial inequalities facing unpaid carers today.

Many carers, who contribute so much to our society, are struggling financially impacting their daily lives, wellbeing, and financial futures. A staggering 1.2 million unpaid carers live in poverty, with 400, 000 living in deep poverty. The poverty rate for unpaid carers is 50% higher than those who do not provide care. (1) With almost a third of households in the UK in receipt of Carer’s Allowance living in food insecurity – a rate three times that of the general population. (2)

Financial worries are adding to the emotional strain experienced by many carers, many of whom struggle to pay for daily essentials such as food and heating. Over 60% of carers worry about their living costs and how they will manage in the future. (3)

Carers should not be at greater risk of poverty, and action is needed across the board to combat the financial inequalities experienced by unpaid carers.

Get involved

• Support Carers Week 2025 and join the call for equality for carers.
• Read our signposting information for cares, including where to access extra help with finances. 

References 

1 WPI (2024) Executive summary - Poverty amongst unpaid carers in the UK. 
2 Depart of Work and Pensions (2025) Family Resources Survey: financial year 2023-2024. 
3 Carers UK (2024) State of Caring 2024 - The impact of caring on: finances.