What is Carer’s Allowance?
What is Carer’s Allowance?
Carer’s Allowance is a benefit provided by the UK government to support people who look after someone with a disability or long-term illness. It is specifically aimed at unpaid carers – those who dedicate their time to helping a friend or family member, but do not receive payment for their care work. If you spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone who receives a qualifying disability benefit, you may be eligible for Carer’s Allowance.
The purpose of Carer’s Allowance is to recognise the vital role that carers play and to provide financial assistance to help with the costs that can arise from caring responsibilities. This benefit is designed to help ease the financial pressure on those who have to reduce their working hours or give up paid employment to provide care.
Carer’s Allowance is just one part of the wider benefits system in the UK. It works alongside other benefits and support schemes, and claiming it can sometimes affect the amount you receive from other benefits. Understanding how Carer’s Allowance fits within the overall system is important for making informed decisions about your finances.
On this page, you’ll find clear explanations of who can claim Carer’s Allowance, the eligibility rules, and how it interacts with other benefits. We’ll also guide you through the application process and highlight related support options, so you can make sure you’re getting all the help you’re entitled to as a carer.
Who Can Claim Carer’s Allowance?
To claim Carer’s Allowance in the UK, you must meet several key eligibility criteria. Understanding these requirements can help you determine whether you can apply and what steps to take next.
Who You Care For
Carer’s Allowance is designed for people who provide regular care for someone with a disability. The person you care for must already be receiving one of certain qualifying disability benefits. These benefits include, for example, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Attendance Allowance, or the Armed Forces Independence Payment. If the person you care for does not receive one of these disability benefits, you will not be eligible for Carer’s Allowance.
Amount of Care Provided
You must provide at least 35 hours of care each week to qualify. This care can include helping with washing and cooking, taking the person to medical appointments, managing their bills, or providing emotional support. The 35 hours can be spread throughout the week and do not have to be consecutive.
Age and Residency Requirements
To claim Carer’s Allowance, you must be aged 16 or over. Additionally, you must normally live in England, Scotland, or Wales. There are some exceptions for people who move to or from certain countries, but in general, you must be present in the UK when you claim and have been living here for at least two out of the last three years. You must also not be subject to immigration control.
Who Is Not Eligible
Some people are not eligible for Carer’s Allowance, even if they care for someone who receives a qualifying disability benefit. You cannot claim if you are in full-time education (generally defined as 21 hours or more of supervised study per week). Similarly, if you earn more than a certain amount per week (after tax, National Insurance, and certain expenses), you may not qualify. Carer’s Allowance is also not available to people who are already receiving certain other benefits at the same or higher rate, though you may still be entitled to a “carer premium” or additional support.
How the Disability of the Person You Care For Affects Eligibility
Eligibility for Carer’s Allowance depends not only on your circumstances but also on the type of disability benefit the person you care for receives. If their benefit stops, your Carer’s Allowance will usually stop as well. It’s important to check which disability benefits qualify, as only specific ones make you eligible to claim.
Practical Example
For example, if you look after your mother who receives Attendance Allowance and you spend at least 35 hours a week helping her with daily tasks, you may be eligible to claim Carer’s Allowance – provided you are over 16, live in the UK, and are not in full-time education.
If you’re unsure whether the person you care for receives a qualifying benefit or if your circumstances meet the rules, it’s worth checking the details before applying. Understanding these requirements can help you access the support you’re entitled to as a carer.
How Much Can You Earn While Receiving Carer’s Allowance?
If you receive Carer’s Allowance, there is a strict limit on how much you can earn from paid work each week. As of the current rules, you must not earn more than £132 per week (before tax and certain other deductions). If your earnings go over this amount, even by a small amount, you will no longer be eligible for Carer’s Allowance for that week.
What Counts as Earnings?
Earnings include money you receive from employment or self-employment. This covers wages, salary, bonuses, and any profit from self-employment. When working out if you are under the £132 limit, you can deduct:
Income tax
National Insurance contributions
Half of any contributions to a workplace or personal pension
Other types of income, such as pensions, savings, or investment income, do not count towards the earnings limit for Carer’s Allowance.
Example:
If you earn £150 a week from a part-time job but pay £20 in tax and £5 in National Insurance, your earnings for Carer’s Allowance purposes would be £125 (£150 – £20 – £5), which is below the limit.
What Happens If You Earn Too Much?
If your earnings are above the £132 weekly limit, even for just one week, you will lose your Carer’s Allowance for that week. There is no reduction or partial payment – if you exceed the limit, the allowance stops for that period. It’s important to keep careful records and report any changes in your earnings to avoid overpayments or penalties.
Advice for Working or Self-Employed Carers
If you are working or self-employed, be sure to monitor your earnings closely. For self-employed carers, the rules can be more complex, as your earnings may fluctuate. Only your net earnings (after allowable deductions) count towards the limit, but you must still ensure you do not exceed the threshold in any given week.
If you are unsure how your work situation affects your Carer’s Allowance, consider seeking advice or support to help you manage your finances and stay within the rules. You might also want to explore your rights and entitlements regarding employment benefits if you are balancing paid work with caring responsibilities.
How Earnings Affect Other Benefits
Earning money while receiving Carer’s Allowance can also affect other benefits you receive. For example, your increased income may impact means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit or Housing Benefit. The rules can be complicated, so it’s important to check how your total income, including earnings and Carer’s Allowance, might affect any other support you claim.
Staying informed about the earnings limit and how it applies to your situation can help you make the most of the financial support available while avoiding any unexpected issues with your Carer’s Allowance or other benefits.
How Carer’s Allowance Interacts with Other Benefits
When claiming Carer’s Allowance, it’s important to understand how it interacts with other benefits you or the person you care for may be receiving. While you can get Carer’s Allowance at the same time as some benefits, there are specific rules – especially around means-tested and overlapping benefits – that can affect the amount you receive.
Receiving Carer’s Allowance with Other Benefits
Carer’s Allowance can be paid alongside certain benefits, but not all. In some cases, you may not get the full Carer’s Allowance amount because of what’s known as the ‘overlapping benefits rule’. This rule means you cannot receive the full rate of two income-replacement benefits at the same time, such as State Pension, contributory Employment and Support Allowance, or Incapacity Benefit.
If you qualify for more than one of these benefits, you’ll usually be paid the one that gives you the highest amount. However, even if you don’t receive a payment for Carer’s Allowance because of an overlapping benefit, you may still have an ‘underlying entitlement’. This can increase the amount of means-tested benefits you receive, so it’s always worth making a claim.
Carer’s Allowance and Universal Credit
If you receive Universal Credit, claiming Carer’s Allowance can affect the amount you get. Instead of reducing your Universal Credit by the full amount of Carer’s Allowance, you may receive a ‘carer element’ as part of your Universal Credit payment. This can sometimes mean you are better off overall, but it depends on your personal circumstances, including your income and other benefits. Always check how the carer element works within Universal Credit to make sure you’re getting the right support.
Overlapping Benefits: Attendance Allowance and Disability Living Allowance
Carer’s Allowance cannot be paid at the same time as certain other benefits paid for caring or disability, such as Attendance Allowance or some components of Disability Living Allowance (DLA). However, if you care for someone who receives these benefits, it may help you qualify for Carer’s Allowance yourself. If you or the person you care for receives other disability benefits, it’s important to check how these interact, as they can affect both eligibility and payment amounts.
Understanding the Overlapping Benefits Rule
The overlapping benefits rule mainly affects people who receive more than one benefit designed to replace income, such as Carer’s Allowance and State Pension. If this applies to you, you won’t receive both payments in full. Instead, you will receive whichever is higher. However, having an underlying entitlement to Carer’s Allowance can mean you qualify for extra premiums or elements in means-tested benefits like Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or Council Tax Support.
Maximising Your Support
Because the rules around Carer’s Allowance and other benefits can be complex, it’s a good idea to check your eligibility for all benefits you may be entitled to. Even if you can’t receive Carer’s Allowance as a payment, an underlying entitlement could increase your overall financial support. Review your situation regularly, especially if your circumstances or those of the person you care for change.
If you want to learn more about related support, explore our guides on Universal Credit, Attendance Allowance, and disability benefits to see what other help might be available.
How to Claim Carer’s Allowance
How to Claim Carer’s Allowance
Applying for Carer’s Allowance is a straightforward process, but it’s important to make sure you have all the right information and documents before you begin. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process, whether you choose to apply online or by post.
Step 1: Gather the Information You’ll Need
Before starting your application, make sure you have the following details ready:
Your National Insurance number
Bank or building society account details (where you want your payments to go)
Employment details (if you’re working, including recent payslips)
Details of any pensions you receive
Information about the person you care for, including their date of birth and address
Their National Insurance number or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) reference, if you have it
Having these details to hand will help your application go smoothly.
Step 2: Apply Online or by Post
Most people find it quickest and easiest to apply for Carer’s Allowance online. The online application guides you through each section, making it clear what information is needed.
If you prefer, you can request a paper form (DS700) to apply by post. This is a good option if you’re not comfortable applying online or if you need extra time to gather information.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Once you’ve completed the application, double-check all your details before submitting. If you’re applying by post, make sure you send your form to the correct address as indicated on the form.
Step 4: Wait for a Decision
After you’ve submitted your claim, it usually takes about three to six weeks to get a decision, though it can take longer if more information is needed. You’ll receive a letter telling you whether your claim has been approved, how much you’ll get, and when your payments will start. If more details are needed, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will contact you.
If Your Claim Is Refused or You Want to Appeal
If your claim is refused and you think the decision is wrong, you have the right to ask for the decision to be looked at again. This is called a "mandatory reconsideration." You must request this within one month of the decision letter. If you’re still unhappy after the reconsideration, you can appeal to an independent tribunal.
It’s a good idea to keep copies of all correspondence and any evidence you send, in case you need to refer to them later.
Getting Help with Your Claim
If you need help filling out the form or understanding the process, you can ask a trusted friend, family member, or local advice service. For more information about your eligibility for Carer’s Allowance and other financial support, you can check what benefits you can get.
If you have questions about your claim or need to request a paper application form, you can contact the Carer’s Allowance Unit by phone or post. Their contact details are provided on the application form and in official correspondence.
Taking these steps will help ensure your application is complete and processed as quickly as possible, so you can get the support you’re entitled to as a carer.
Additional Support and Related Benefits for Carers
Additional Support and Related Benefits for Carers
Caring for someone can be rewarding, but it often brings financial and practical challenges. Alongside Carer’s Allowance, there are several other forms of support and benefits available in the UK to help carers manage their responsibilities and improve their quality of life. Below, we outline key options and explain how you might access extra help.
Other Benefits Carers Might Be Eligible For
Many carers qualify for additional benefits that can boost their income. For example, if you are over State Pension age and on a low income, you may be able to claim Pension Credit or learn more about how Carer’s Allowance works alongside it by reading Carer’s allowance and payment advice | Age UK. Pension Credit can provide extra money to help with living costs and may entitle you to further support, such as help with council tax.
If the person you care for passes away, you may be eligible for Bereavement Benefits. These payments can help you manage financially during a difficult time. For practical steps and further information, visit What to do after a death – Citizens Advice.
Financial Help with Housing Costs
Caring responsibilities can affect your ability to work and cover housing expenses. If you’re struggling to pay rent or keep up with your mortgage, you may be entitled to help with housing. This could include Housing Benefit, Support for Mortgage Interest, or help from your local council. Many carers find that claiming these benefits makes a significant difference to their financial stability.
Support for Carers with Children
If you are a carer who also has children, there are extra forms of support available. These may include Child Benefit, Child Tax Credit, or Universal Credit, as well as help with childcare costs. For a full overview of what you might be entitled to, see our guide on help if you have children.
Disability Adjustments and Accommodations
Making adjustments to your home or daily routine can make caring easier and improve the quality of life for both you and the person you care for. You may have the right to disability adjustments, such as adaptations to your home or access to equipment and services that support independent living. These changes are often supported by local authorities and are protected under the Equality Act 2010, which requires reasonable adjustments to remove barriers for disabled people.
Flexible Working Rights and Workplace Accommodations
If you’re balancing work with caring responsibilities, you have the legal right to request flexible working arrangements, such as part-time hours, job sharing, or remote work. Employers are required to consider your request reasonably under the Employment Rights Act 1996. Learn more about your rights and possible accommodations that can help you manage both work and care.
Exploring all the support available can make a real difference to your wellbeing and financial security as a carer. If you’re unsure about what you can claim, it’s a good idea to seek advice or use benefits calculators to check your entitlements. For more detailed information on any of the topics above, follow the relevant links to find practical guidance and support.
