Carer ID
A Carer ID issued by Carers Oxfordshire will help you to show you are an unpaid carer. You can use it to ensure you and the person you care for get the support you are entitled to.
Situations where you may find it helpful include:
- Identification when accompanying the person(s) you care for on medical appointments or when collecting medicines.
- Notifying emergency services that someone depends on you and who to contact in an emergency or crisis.
- When you or the person you care for are admitted as a patient at Oxford University Hospitals. Find out how here.
- Identification to employers, education and training settings.
- In the community and when you are seeing social care professionals.
What is a Carer ID?
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.
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:
Talk to people who you will ask to be emergency contacts and ensure they agree and understand their role as an emergency contact.
Talk to the person you look after and ensure they understand what would happen if you were in an emergency.
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.
Have access to a clear up-to-date digital photo of you on your own, (no other people, animals or personal items) that can be used on the card. A passport photo is ideal.
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.