How do I write about the gap in work caused by being a carer?

[ahatintub]

I am applying for a job and there doesn’t seem to be any set way to explain the gap in my work from being a carer for a special needs teen, the online application process only has options for people with disability for special circumstances. So should this be in the CV or is there another way(/best practice) to put this into the online application process?

Hi, This is not a problem.
Just put down the job "Carer".
Unpaid work is still work.
You can write 'unpaid carer' in the description of the role if you want.
I used to do recruitment. So long as your CV is honest it is not an issue. They can ask you questions if need be.

I'd put carer and describe some of the skills used (ideally transferable skills)

I had a small business (like a couple hours a week) so I put that down for my caring years

what should I put in if there aren't any transferable skills from being a carer that is relevant for the job?

Just put a factual description. Don't worry about the transferable skills unless you were actually running something, hiring, training etc.

Carer - xxx to yyy.
Caring responsibilities for children/ family /special needs child / elderly parents.