Carers are turning to food banks as they struggle for work and support during the pandemic.
Charity Carers UK says its research shows four out of five carers (81 per cent) have been providing more support to loved ones because of coronavirus.
The pandemic is forcing carers to turn to food banks, says Carers UK
Ruby Peacock is Carers UK’s head of policy. She says the pandemic has had a “significant impact” on the ability of carers to take breaks and earn a living.
Cuts to day centres and support groups had heightened the difficulties.
‘Too many carers forced to use food banks’
Peacock said “too many carers are forced to turn to food banks for support”.
Carers UK found that more than one in three carers (36%) who are receiving Carer’s Allowance are struggling to make ends meet. Around 15 per cent have been in debt.
Previous research by Sheffield and Birmingham universities during the first lockdown found more than 100,000 using foodbanks.
Carers UK wants a “significant increase” in Carer’s Allowance, which is worth £67.25 per week.
Local food bank ‘amazing’ during one family’s crisis
Autism Eye spoke to one 56-year-old carer, from London, who looks after her five-year-old autistic grandson and 53-year-old husband.
The woman, who did not wish to be named, said her husband has suffered two major strokes. These have left him partially sighted. He also now struggles with short-term memory problems and suffers a loss of function in his right arm.
She said London-based Carers Network put her in touch with a local food bank, which did an “amazing” job of helping her family through a crisis.
Carer’s Allowance ‘worth £700 more’
A spokesperson for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said Carer’s Allowance is now worth around £700 more per year than in 2010.
The DWP said it had also introduced special measures to allow people to go on claiming Carer’s Allowance even if they temporarily stop caring, or change the way they care, due to the virus.
Related:
- Mum battles to raise carers’ benefit
- Charity claims carers don’t want wage
- Plea to give carers the breaks they need
- Carers’ plight on World Autism Day
- Parent carers in line for a better deal
- Carers sick with money worries
Published: 25 January 2021
