Government announces next steps to strengthen support for carers 

The Government of Jersey is delivering on its commitment to improve support for individuals receiving care and carers across the Island. Following the urgent review announced last month, good progress has been made to ensure there is practical, fair, and sustainable assistance.

Officers have engaged directly with carers’ organisations as well as gathering feedback from carers themselves to understand what support will benefit them the most. From these conversations, five key priority areas have been identified:

• Collating resources – a comprehensive directory of existing Government and community support for those receiving care and carers is being finalised, including services offered through the Connect Me programme and local organisations such as Carers Jersey.

• New information tools – work is underway to design and produce a leaflet and a dedicated website providing clear guidance, key contacts, and links to trusted resources in Jersey and the UK.

• Public engagement – plans are in progress for a Connect Me Carers Event to launch these new resources and bring carers together with support providers.

• Ongoing communication – a targeted communications campaign will promote support networks and ensure those receiving care and carers know where to turn for help.

• Dedicated Government officer – plans are being explored to have a dedicated Advisor to provide carers with direct advice and signposting to support services via face-to-face meetings, telephone, and email.

Financial support available to carers

As part of the review, the Government has assessed the financial support currently available to carers and sought advice from the Disability and Inclusion Advisory Group to ensure any future changes reflect the needs of those being cared for and their carers. It is agreed that a range of financial assistance is already in place, however an opportunity to strengthen the wrap-around support that helps both carers and those they care for on a day-to-day basis has been identified and is being reviewed. 

A summary document outlining the findings and the options under consideration will be published at the end of this process, in January 2026. 

The financial support that is available to carers and people with care needs today includes:

• Income Support for low-income households – families with a carer or someone who needs care may also qualify for extra support on top of standard living components:

• Carer’s Allowance – £71.61 per week

• Ancillary Care Costs Component – £31.29 per week

• Personal Care Components – up to £198.03 per week

• Mobility Component - £31.64 per week

• Home Carer’s Allowance (HCA) – provides £295.75 per week under the contributory Social Security Scheme. At pension age, Islanders receiving HCA can choose to continue with HCA or switch to their Old Age Pension – whichever is more beneficial. This concession is unique to carers who do not have a full pension record, ensuring they still receive 100% contributory benefit entitlement.

• Long Term Care scheme – supports adults (aged 18 and above) with ongoing long term care needs. Weekly benefits are based on a range of factors with the maximum payment being £1,451.13 per week for care costs and £507.22 for living costs in a care home. 

• Child personal care – benefit available to a family that includes a child with a long-term disability – paid at £138.11 or £198.03 a week.

In cases where an adult child is being cared for by a parent, the adult child can apply for Income Support in their own right and receive all components they are eligible for. 

The individual case that prompted this review has been considered and the overall support package provided to the family has been checked to ensure all the relevant benefits are included. In addition, a meeting with an officer has been offered to discuss the individual circumstances in detail.

Minister for Social Security, Deputy Lyndsay Feltham said: "Carers make an extraordinary contribution to our Island. We are committed to ensuring they have the information, resources, and support they need. These steps mark the beginning of a stronger, more connected system for carers in Jersey. We are working closely with carers and their families as well as States Members and community organisations to make sure we are listening and developing plans that directly address the needs of carers that are fair, effective and sustainable.

“This work is the beginning and will continue to expand over the coming months. I want to reassure carers and their families that I am committed to making sure they have the right support in place focussing on where it’s needed the most.”

In the meantime, any carer who needs immediate assistance should contact the Employment, Social Security & Housing department on 444444.