MORE than 360 local carers are not claiming benefits they are entitled to, new figures have revealed .

Carers UK has published new figures showing people caring unpaid for ill or disabled loved ones are missing out on the support they are entitled to.

Ceredigion MP Mark Williams visited the Carers Day event held at Ceredigion County Council Offices on Friday, and met with local carers.

The event sought to help local carers to find out about the support available.

There are 6.5 million people in the UK providing unpaid care and support to family, friends and neighbours saving the country over £119 billion every year.

Charity Carers UK says a total of £1billion in Carer’s Allowance is being unclaimed across the UK as over 360,000 full-time carers miss out on the main carers’ benefit. In Ceredigion it is thought that an additional 366 carers are entitled to benefits which they are not claiming, according to new figures.

Mark Williams said: “I was delighted to be able to attend Carers Rights Day on Friday, and hope more local carers apply for the benefits they are entitled to.

“Carers make a huge contribution to society, but without the right support caring can be tough. It is vital that we all help to identify and support those caring for ill, frail or disabled loved ones and signpost them to the advice and support available.”

Carers UK Chief Executive Heléna Herklots said: “These new figures show that many carers aren’t getting the advice they need and many are struggling without support, unaware of what is available. Anyone caring for an older or disabled loved one should be able to get advice on how to access financial, practical and emotional support to help them care and to look after themselves.”

Carers can order a free booklet called Looking after someone: a guide to carers’ rights and benefits from Carers UK by visiting www.carersuk.org or calling Carers UK’s Adviceline on 0808 808 7777.