Unpaid carers in North Wales are being urged to apply for a £500 payment to help during the cost-of living-crisis before the July deadline.

To date only 44% of eligible carers in North Wales have applied with over 2,200 claims paid to unpaid carers in the area. Ministers are now calling on those remaining unpaid carers to come forward. 

Unpaid carers who were receiving Carer’s Allowance on March 31 this year must register with their local authority by July 15, 2022 to receive the payment.

READ MORE: Check your eligibility for a support payment of £500 for unpaid carers

The payment recognises the financial and emotional hardship many are experiencing, and it will benefit thousands of the most vulnerable unpaid carers in Wales, who frequently care for the longest and are on the lowest incomes.

An unpaid carer is someone who cares for a partner, relative or friend who has an illness or disability.

Carers Allowance is paid to people caring for at least 35 hours a week, who care for someone receiving certain benefits and who earn no more than £128 a week. 

Julie Morgan, deputy minister for social services said: “We are immensely proud of our unpaid carers in Wales, many of whom struggle to make time for themselves because of their caring role.

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“We understand not all unpaid carers will be eligible for this payment, as many are not in receipt of a Carer’s Allowance, and we will continue supporting carers of all ages in every way we can. During Carers Week I announced the continuation of our successful Carers Support Fund over the next three years.

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“I hope this payment of £500 will go some way to easing some of the pressures facing unpaid carers, as well as recognising the value of their caring role to Wales’ health and social care system. I urge anyone who has not applied for their payment to come forward and submit their claim.”