support and advice for carers

Whatever your situation is, we're here to help. From benefit advice to emotional and financial support, we offer a huge range of support.

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Caring can be a lonely but rewarding endeavour. It’s a lot of responsibility, bringing with it added pressures. While it sometimes leaves you with less time for yourself, it can also teach you a lot about your strengths.

It’s challenging to know who to ask for advice, and where to get the assistance you need. In this section, we have guides on all aspects of caring. You’ll find advice about our practical, financial and emotional support for carers and the people they care for. 

Whatever your situation is, we're here to support you, for as long as you need us to.

we can support you with

  • advice about carer and disability benefits, council tax discounts and reductions
  • choosing residential care and care at home
  • guidance about care funded by your local authority and the NHS
  • emotional support through professional counselling
  • possible contribution towards residential care third-party top-up fees
  • financial support for the cost of occupational therapy assessments 
  • possible donations for aids, adaptations and other equipment
  • financial help with expenses or items you might struggle to afford
  • resolving problems and disputes with the Department for Work and Pensions, local authority or hospital
  • accessing services from our partners at Dementia UK and the National Autistic Society

Our carer support officers can provide a listening, non-judgemental ear for anyone who wishes to talk about anything care-related. You can click on the button below to talk to one of our team. 

Dad hugging his child to comfort them

how to deal with the emotional challenges of caring for someone

Caring for another person has its ups and downs. It's an emotional time that can be draining without the right support. Here, we explore how you can get the emotional support you need as a carer.

A man cares for an elderly man, and is showing him something on his phone

practical steps to take when you become a carer

There’s a lot to think about when you become a carer, and as your caring responsibilities increase. Everything from where the person you’re caring for lives, to managing finances, to dealing with doctors. This guide shares what you need to think about when caring for someone.

A carer pushing a man in a wheelchair, they are both smiling

how to take care of yourself as a carer

Self-care often goes out the window when your main priority is to look after someone else, but neglecting your own health can make caring harder. Taking time to nurture your physical and mental health will boost your wellbeing and ability to be a carer.

practical ways you can offer support to a carer - 1343452183 - resized.jpg

practical ways you can offer support to a carer

Do you know someone who’s a carer? Are you unsure of how to support them? Let’s take a look at some simple ways you can support someone you know who’s a carer.

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your questions answered 

Who is eligible for support?

We support past and present members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales (ICAEW), ACA students, ICAEW staff members, and the family and carers of members and students. 

  1. No matter where your career takes you, past and present members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England Wales (ICAEW) are eligible for caba’s services for life, even if you change your career and leave accountancy 
  2. ACA students (ICAEW Provisional Members) who are either an active student or have been an active student within the last three years are eligible for caba's services 
  3. Past and present staff members of the ICAEW or caba are eligible for caba's services for life, even if you leave either organisation. Please note, for former employees, our financial support is only available to those who have had five years continuous employment with either organisation 
  4. Family members and carers of either an eligible past or present ICAEW member, ACA student or past or present employee of the ICAEW or caba are eligible for caba's support. We define a family member as a: 
    1. spouse, civil partner or cohabiting partner 
    2. widow, widower or surviving civil partner who has not remarried or cohabiting with a partner 
    3. divorced spouse or civil partner who has not remarried or cohabiting with a partner 
    4. child aged up to 25. Please note, children aged between 16 and 25 are not eligible for individual financial support 
    5. any other person who is dependent on the eligible individual supporting them financially or are reliant on the eligible individual’s care 
    6. any other person on whom the eligible individual is reliant, either financially or for care 

You can find out more about our available support both in the UK and around the world on our support we offer  page. 

Are your services means-tested?

If you need financial support, we carry out a means test where we consider income, expenditure, capital and assets.  

*Please note none of our other services are means-tested. 

I’m an accountant, but not a member of ICAEW, can you still help?

Unfortunately not. We only support past and present ICAEW members, their carers and their families. If we are unable to support you, where possible we will point you to help elsewhere.

caba has supported me in the past; can I receive support from caba again?

We understand that circumstances change. If we’ve helped you in the past there’s no reason why we can’t help you again. You can contact us at any time. Please call us if you need our help.

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