Having cared for my daughter for 33 years and claimed carer’s allowance for only half of that period because I didn’t know that I was entitled to it, I am angry that next year, on reaching the state pension age, this will be taken away from me. My caring duties, however, will not stop (The Guardian view on carers: those who do the caring deserve care themselves, 24 May).
I gave up my career and by default a better workplace pension to look after my children. As things turned out, my daughter had additional needs, and with no family support network closer than two hours away and a husband who worked away for half of the week, it seemed the most sensible option at the time.
I have saved the taxpayer a huge amount of money, but my continued caring responsibilities are not deemed to be still worth the extra paltry amount of £76.75 a week on top of what will be my pension.
This is yet another example of injustice to millions struggling to do the right thing by their family. Time and time again caring is not seen as being a “proper” job and it’s funny how many people are quite happy to express this opinion to you as they regale you with stories from their latest, often early, retirement adventure. As a committed family carer, I suspect I will never be retired.
I would make the same decisions again, because it’s not really about the money. It’s the principle. What I do for my daughter is done for love, and the intention to give her the best of what life can offer while I’m still able to support and care for her.
I’m sure that many caregivers before me have felt equally aggrieved but have continued with their caring role regardless. It is time that this particular injustice was addressed.
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