29 November 2004 - Carer's Allowance e-service anniversary and Carers’ Rights Day
This week marks the first anniversary of the launch of the Carer’s Allowance e-service and the fourth annual UK Carers’ Rights Day.
Since 1 December last year, customers have been able to claim Carer's Allowance and report changes of circumstances online, making the whole service easier, and often quicker to use.
The e-service is tailored to the customer's circumstances. It asks the customer questions to find out what they need and tells them what documents they need to provide. It avoids postal delays, gives immediate confirmation a claim has been received, and is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
So far over 7,000 claims and over 850 changes of circumstances have been received using the e-service. And the Carer's Allowance Unit continues to work on new ways to improve the service.
This week also sees the fourth annual Carers’ Rights Day on Friday 3 December.
Each year Carers UK, a leading organisation for carers, organises Carers’ Rights Day to:
- increase the take-up of benefits
- ensure that carers are aware of their rights
- raise awareness of the needs of carers
- help individuals to recognise themselves as carers