An image promoting The National Unpaid Carers Union and Forum (NUCUF). It features a beige background with bold, navy blue text for strong visual contrast and clarity. Key Design Elements: Title/Header: At the top, the acronym “NUCUF” is prominently displayed in large, bold capital letters. Below it, in smaller text, is the full name: “The National Unpaid Carers Union and Forum.” Main Message: The central message is styled in a bold, uppercase format: “SHARE EXPERIENCES FOR DWP REVIEW OF CARER’S ALLOWANCE” Bullet Point Highlights: The poster includes six concise bullet points summarising key questions: Impact of Carer’s Allowance overpayments Effectiveness of DWP processes Clarity and ease of communication How carers feel they are treated Areas for improvement Focus areas like self-employment, averaging earnings, and expense clarity Call to Action: At the bottom, in bold navy type: “SUBMISSIONS CLOSE AT 23:59 ON 11 MAY 2025” “SEND RESPONSES TO LEO@NUCUF.COM”

The National Unpaid Carers Union and Forum (NUCUF) has received a rare and significant opportunity to contribute directly to the Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP) independent review of Carer’s Allowance. In response, NUCUF is urging unpaid carers across the UK to come forward and share their experiences.

This invitation from the DWP offers a critical platform for carers’ voices to be heard, particularly regarding the challenges and inconsistencies often faced within the Carer’s Allowance system. With a submission deadline of 23:59 on Sunday 11th May 2025, NUCUF is calling on carers, advocates, and those working with carer communities to respond promptly.

What is the Carer’s Allowance review asking

The DWP is seeking direct feedback on the effectiveness, clarity, and fairness of Carer’s Allowance policies and procedures. Questions include:

  • What is the impact of Carer’s Allowance overpayments on carers and the people they support?
  • How well do DWP processes for CA work?
  • Are they clearly communicated and easy to follow?
  • Easy to advise people about?
  • How do carers feel they are treated?
  • Could it be improved?
  • Is the approach to averaging earnings clear and consistent, and could it be improved?
  • Are expenses clearly understood and could this be improved?
  • How does Carer’s Allowance work for the self-employed and could this be improved?
  • Does DWP strike the right balance between flexibility and consistency in administering Carer’s Allowance?
  • Could this be improved?
  • What can best be done to support those who have accrued overpayments?

These questions strike at the core of how Carer’s Allowance functions and whether it truly supports the people it is designed to help.

For many, navigating this system is not only difficult but also emotionally and financially draining. The review presents a unique moment to identify barriers and propose solutions reflecting unpaid care’s realities.

Make your voice count

The image contains a logo with the acronym "NUCUF" in bold, black, blocky capital letters. Below the acronym, the full name is written: **"The National Unpaid Carers Union and Forum"** The design is simple, with a black and white color scheme, and uses horizontal lines above and below "NUCUF" to separate the elements. The background is white, with gray bars on the top and bottom of the image.

NUCUF encourages all those with lived experience of the Carer’s Allowance system to contribute their insights. Responses—whether detailed accounts or brief reflections—will be collated and submitted as part of NUCUF’s official evidence to the DWP review.

Submissions should be sent via email to leo@nucuf.com no later than Sunday 11th May 2025 at 23:59.

By amplifying the voices of unpaid carers, NUCUF aims to drive meaningful reform and greater recognition of the vital work carers perform every day. This review may be the only such opportunity for some time, and NUCUF is committed to ensuring it is not missed.

For more information and updates, visit the NUCUF website.

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