Local MP Rennie backs Dunfermline and West Fife events to help West Fife carers 'Care for their incomes and pensions"

4.30.00pm GMT Tue 1st Dec 2009

Thousands of people looking after sick or disabled relatives at home may be missing out on vital benefits and support - which could have a big effect on their pensions.

Carers can find out more by attending a special Carers Rights Day event organised by Willie Rennie MP on Friday 4th December across his Dunfermline and West Fife constituency.

Willie's office is one of more than 1,500 groups across the UK who take part in Carers Rights Day, a national awareness day organised by Carers UK. The aim of the day is to inform carers of the rights, benefits and services they are entitled to.

He, and his team, will be running a stall in Dunfermline High Street from 9.30am to 11am on Friday morning and will have an open office all day for Carers to seek advice and obtain leaflets on how to claim support. He has also arranged for 30 local GPs surgeries, local pharmacies and some of the charity shops, on the High Street, to provide the literature as well.

Local MP, Willie Rennie, said: "Making ends meet is at the top of everyone's agenda at the moment, but carers face a particularly tough battle to get by. On top of the stresses of caring for a loved one, carers often have to cope with higher bills and the costs of caring whilst being unable to work because of their caring responsibilities. I urge anyone looking after a friend or family member to come along to our event in the High Street, or to my office, where they can get information and advice on how to take care of their income."

Imelda Redmond, Chief Executive of Carers UK said: "Many people assume that we all automatically get a state pension, but you don't. Pensions are built up from National Insurance contributions over the years. Many carers haven't been able to make those contributions because of gaps in paid work and, despite their huge contribution to our society, there is a real risk that they will end up with less pension in their retirement. That is why it is so important they get advice and take steps to protect their pensions."

Carers UK have produced an information booklet for carers who want information about their entitlements called Looking After Someone? - A guide to carers' rights and benefits. A new booklet Caring about your pension has also been produced. Carers can order copies of the booklets by:

Ø calling Carers UK's adviceline on 0808 808 7777

Ø visiting www.carersuk.org

Ø writing to Carers Rights Day, Carers UK, 20 Great Dover Street, London SE1 4LX

Ø emailing steve.mcintosh@carersuk.org