If you’re a young carer, you already juggle a lot. Caring for someone you love takes time, energy and emotional strength.
But a new government report says something really important: the benefits system is making life harder for young carers – not easier.
What the report found
An independent government report shows that young carers are around three times more likely than other young people to end up NEET (not in education, employment or training). That’s not because young carers don’t want to learn or work. It’s because the system often forces them into unfair choices.
The problem with the money system
Right now, the rules around Carer’s Allowance and benefits don’t work well for young carers aged 16–18. Here’s what that means in reality:
- You can’t get Carer’s Allowance if you’re in full‑time education
- You can also lose Carer’s Allowance if you start an apprenticeship, because you earn “too much”
- So you’re left choosing between:
- a course that doesn’t suit you but keeps some income
- turning down an apprenticeship you’d actually enjoy
- or dropping out of education or training completely
That’s not fair – and the report says it clearly goes against what the government says it wants.
Choosing what’s “safe”, not what’s right
The report found that many young carers:
- Pick courses with fewer hours, even if they’re boring or too easy
- Stay very close to home so they can keep caring
- Say no to apprenticeships because their family would lose money
Over time, this can mean leaving education with lower qualifications than friends – not because of ability, but because of pressure.
Young carers falling through the cracks
Another big issue is that young carers can disappear from the system, especially if they:
- start an apprenticeship
- or care less than 35 hours a week
Some young carers don’t tell anyone about their caring role because they’re worried it will cause problems. That means:
- no extra support
- more stress
- higher risk of burning out or dropping out
What needs to change
The report says the government should:
- change Carer’s Allowance rules for young carers
- stop blocking young carers from learning or training
- introduce a Young Carer Grant in England
The message is simple: being a carer shouldn’t mean putting your future on hold.
You’re not alone
At Suffolk Family Carers, we know how hard young carers work – and how much potential you have.
You deserve:
- real choices
- fair support
- and a future that works for you
If you’re a young carer and need support, advice or someone to talk to, we’re here for you.
👉 Get in touch with Suffolk Family Carers to find support near you.
