The change will give young carers a legal entitlement to assessment and support so that they have the same right to help from local authorities as adult carers.
Children's minister Edward Timpson committed to introducing the new rights during a House of Commons debate on the Children and Families Bill on Tuesday.
It is estimated that the change will benefit 70,000 young carers who look after their parents or siblings.
The National Young Carers' Coalition, which has been campaigning for the change with the Children's Society, welcomed the announcement.
The coalition's chair Dr Moira Fraser said: “We are very pleased that the children’s minister has chosen to listen to the concerns of the sector and revisit the provision for young carers in law.
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