What Is Carer's Allowance?

You do not need to be related to or live with the person you care for to claim Carer's Allowance. However, you must meet certain eligibility criteria.

Carer's Allowance recognises the valuable contribution unpaid carers make and provides financial support to those who spend significant time caring for others.

Carer's Allowance is a benefit paid to people who spend a substantial amount of time caring for someone who has a disability or health condition.

The benefit is intended to help support carers who may have limited opportunities to work because of their caring responsibilities.

You may be able to claim Carer's Allowance if:

• You are aged 16 or over.
• You provide care for at least 35 hours each week.
• The person you care for receives a qualifying disability benefit.
• You meet the earnings rules.
• You satisfy residence and immigration requirements.

You do not need to be a professional carer to qualify.

You may care for:

• A partner.
• A parent.
• A child.
• A relative.
• A friend.
• A neighbour.

The important factor is the level of care you provide rather than your relationship with the person.

Caring can include tasks such as:

• Helping with washing and dressing.
• Preparing meals.
• Assisting with medication.
• Helping someone move around safely.
• Providing emotional support.
• Supervising someone for their safety.
• Helping manage finances or appointments.

The 35 hours can include various forms of support throughout the week.

The person you care for must usually receive a qualifying disability benefit, such as:

• Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Daily Living Component.
• Attendance Allowance.
• Disability Living Allowance (DLA) Middle or Highest Care Rate.
• Armed Forces Independence Payment.

If the person does not receive a qualifying benefit, you will generally not be eligible for Carer's Allowance.

Yes.

You may still be able to receive Carer's Allowance if you work, provided your earnings remain within the applicable earnings limit.

Certain expenses may be deducted when calculating earnings, including some childcare and pension contributions.

Because the rules can be complex, it is important to seek advice if you are unsure how your earnings affect your entitlement.

Some educational commitments may affect eligibility for Carer's Allowance.

If you are studying or planning to start a course, seek advice to understand how this may impact your claim.

The amount paid is set by the Government and may change each year.

Even if you cannot receive a payment because you already receive another overlapping benefit, you may still have an underlying entitlement which could increase other benefits you receive.

It can.

Receiving Carer's Allowance may affect:

• Universal Credit.
• Pension Credit.
• Income-related benefits.
• The benefits of the person you care for.

However, in many situations claiming Carer's Allowance can increase overall household income through additional premiums or elements.

It is important to obtain advice before making a claim if you're already receiving other benefits.

You can apply for Carer's Allowance online or by post.

You will usually need:

• Your National Insurance number.
• Bank account details.
• Employment and earnings information.
• Details about the person you care for.
• Information about the disability benefit they receive.

Providing accurate information will help prevent delays in processing your claim.

In some circumstances, Carer's Allowance can be backdated if you met the qualifying conditions during an earlier period.

The amount and period that can be backdated will depend on your individual circumstances.

You should tell the relevant department if:

• You stop caring for someone.
• The person's benefits change.
• Your earnings change.
• You start or stop work.
• Your address changes.
• Your education or training arrangements change.

Reporting changes promptly can help avoid overpayments.

Even if you are not eligible for Carer's Allowance, you may still be entitled to other support, including:

• Universal Credit carer elements.
• Pension Credit additions.
• Council Tax support.
• Carer's assessments from your local authority.
• Local support services and grants.

A benefits check can help identify what help may be available.

Our advisors can help you:

• Check whether you're eligible for Carer's Allowance.
• Complete a claim.
• Understand how caring affects your other benefits.
• Identify additional support available to carers.
• Maximise your household income.

Contact our team for free, confidential advice and support.