Carer's Emergency Card

Support in a crisis

A Carer's emergency card lets the emergency services or Social Care services know that you're an unpaid carer. Carrying the card at all times can help us to put other support in place in a crisis. The card is free of charge and any unpaid carers can get one. If you would like to apply then please complete the online form.

Apply for a carer's emergency card

To apply, you must tell us about yourself and the person you care for. You should also give details of two people who can take your place in an emergency.

Social Care will arrange support in an emergency if

  • you can't name anyone else who can help
  • the people you name are unavailable.

We will send you a card with a unique reference number which will identify you. The card also carries the Social Care Direct phone number. It holds no personal details.

Who the card is for

You can apply if

  • you provide regular unpaid care for someone who can't manage on their own
  • the person you care for lives in Edinburgh.

Change in circumstances

We will send you a review form each year to see if your situation has changed. Or you can contact Social Care Direct to tell us about a change.