Number of carer's allowance claims show thousands of unpaid carers in Northumberland
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Millions provide unpaid care to loved ones across the country, with those providing care for more than 35 hours and earning less than £151 a week eligible for carer's allowance.
Department for Work and Pensions figures show there were 5,658 people receiving the benefit in Northumberland as of last summer.
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Hide AdA further 2,748 people were judged to be eligible but were not claiming it, potentially due to receiving other benefits which disqualify them from it or receiving a top-up to other benefits instead.
Unpaid care is predominantly carried out by women. 69% of recipients of carer's allowance in Northumberland were female.
The charity Carer's UK is calling for "wide ranging" reform of the benefit, and wants to see a new, non-means tested payment for carers of state pension age.
A DWP spokesperson said carers “play a vital role” and that the benefit increased to £81.90 this month, with additional support available for low income households.
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