State of Caring survey 2026
The State of Caring is the UK’s most comprehensive regular research into the lives and experiences of unpaid Carers. It is used as a vital source of evidence not only by Carers UK, but by many other organisations including Government, local authorities, health and social care services, charities and carers groups.
Carers UK has been able to use Carers’ responses to the last year’s survey to contribute to:
- the UK Government-commissioned review of adult social care in England
- set out Carers UK’s vision for the NHS and how it can better support Carers
- call for a reform of Carer’s Allowance overpayments, leading to UK Government committing to reviewing thousands of overpayments cases;
- respond to the Government review of Personal Independence Payments
- continue to campaign for paid carer’s leave;
- submit evidence to the State Pension Review
- and publish new reports and policy briefings on topics including the cost of caring and the reasons why Carers end up giving up paid employment to care.
In addition, the results from last year have been discussed on national TV shows including BBC Breakfast and Good Morning Britain, reaching millions of people and helping to raise the profile of caring.
The State of Caring 2026 survey is now open, and will be live until 11.59pm, Sunday 9 August 2026. The survey will take around 30 minutes to complete but you can skip some questions if you are limited for time. Start the survey here.
Start the State of Caring Survey
Other Ways to Have Your Say
- Sign a petition: You can call for action from the UK Government or UK Parliament by creating and submitting an e-petition. There are some current petitions that are relevant for unpaid Carers. If an e-petition receives 10,000 signatures, it will receive a response from the Government and if it receives 100,000 signatures it may be debated in Parliament. Take a look.
- Join our Carers Voice programme: You can decide on your level of input, whether you want to respond to surveys or consultations, join in person workshops and focus groups or share your story. Join today.
- Share your story : Sharing your caring experience can help other unpaid Carers feel less alone. It can offer encouragement, practical tips from your lived experience, or you could be a source of hope and inspiration. For those who have not recognised themselves as a Carers, your story, might help them identify with you and seek support. Use this form to help you write your Carer story.
