Carer ID
Please note that we are currently experiencing a delay in processing Carer ID applications. Please be aware that it may be a few weeks before you receive your Carer ID. Thank you for your patience while we work through applications.
What is a Carer ID card?
A Carer ID Card is a simple way to identify yourself as a carer. It can help you explain your caring role to organisations and professionals, and provide reassurance in an emergency.
A Carer ID card is a physical photo ID card the size of a credit card.
The ID card has a unique QR code which provides your emergency contact information and your GP surgery number.
It is valid for two years; you can reapply when it expires if you are still an unpaid carer.
Why get a Carer ID card?
Your card can help you:
- identify yourself as a carer
- explain your caring responsibilities
- support conversations with health and social care professionals
- provide evidence of your caring role where needed
- feel more confident talking about your role
You may find it useful when attending appointments, accessing services, speaking to professionals or discussing your caring responsibilities with an employer.
Using your card in healthcare settings
Showing your Carer ID Card can help health and care professionals know that you are a carer.
You can show it when attending an appointment yourself or supporting the person you care for. You can also ask about support available to you as a carer.
We are working with local healthcare partners to increase awareness of unpaid carers and the Carer ID Card.
Who can apply?
Unpaid carers aged 13 or over: someone who provides unpaid care and support to another person who, due to a disability, illness, addiction, condition or other additional need is unable to carry out typical day-to-day activities without their support.
The person you support can be of any age, child or adult, but must live in Oxfordshire. Carers Oxfordshire can’t provide a card if you are aged 12 or under, however, you can still receive carer support in Oxfordshire University Hospitals, speak to hospital staff and let them know you are a young carer.
What you will need to do before you apply:
You’ll need a recent, clear photo of yourself, along with the names and telephone numbers of people we can contact in an emergency. Please have these ready before you start your application.
Consider completing a contingency plan so that you can provide information about supporting the person you look after at home in your absence. Learn more about contingency planning.
How to apply
To apply fill out the Carer ID application form from the link below.
Please ensure that you are adding accurate details and have considered any name changes that you may be expecting as replacement of lost cards and detail changes incur a cost to us.
We will check the information you provide to confirm that you are a carer.
If you are looking after more than one person, apply for a card by entering the details of the main person you support.
Get permission for their details to be included on your card.
Contact
If you need to get in touch with any questions, visit our contact page.