If you provide unpaid care to someone with a disability or health condition, you could be eligible for Carer’s Allowance, a weekly benefit from the UK government. Many carers don’t realise they qualify. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is Carer’s Allowance?
Carer’s Allowance provides £83.30 per week (2025 rate) to people who spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone who receives a qualifying disability benefit. You do not need to be related to, or live with, the person you care for. If more than one person cares for the same person, only one carer can claim Carer’s Allowance.
Who Can Claim?
All these must apply:
- You are aged 16 or over.
- You care for someone for at least 35 hours a week.
- Your net earnings are £196 or less per week after tax, National Insurance, and allowable expenses.
- You are not in full-time education (or studying 21 hours a week or more).
- You live in England, Wales, or Scotland (note: different system in Scotland) and meet residence rules.
The person you care for must receive one of these qualifying benefits:
- PIP (Personal Independence Payment): Daily living component.
- DLA (Disability Living Allowance): Middle or highest care rate.
- Attendance Allowance.
- Adult Disability Payment / Child Disability Payment (Scotland).
- Armed Forces Independence Payment, Constant Attendance Allowance (in certain cases).
How It Affects Other Benefits
- Carer’s Allowance is treated as income for means-tested benefits like Universal Credit.
- If you receive State Pension, you may not get Carer’s Allowance directly if your pension is higher than the allowance, though you may get a “top-up” or have underlying entitlement.
- The person you care for might lose a Severe Disability Premium or other extras if you claim Carer’s Allowance, check before claiming.
What Else You Get
By receiving Carer’s Allowance, you also may get:
- National Insurance credits, which count toward your State Pension.
- Eligibility for Council Tax reductions (varies by local authority).
- Access to local grants, carer support services, training programmes, or employment support for carers.
If You Live in Scotland
Carer’s Allowance is being replaced in Scotland by Carer Support Payment. From November 2024, new claims should go through the Scottish system. If you already receive Carer’s Allowance in Scotland, the system will transition you to the new scheme, and you may also receive a Carer’s Allowance Supplement.
Working and Claiming
You can still work and claim Carer’s Allowance provided your net earnings are within the limit. Deductions include:
- Half of your pension contributions.
- Some travel and equipment costs.
- Care or childcare costs (for the person you care for) when working.
If your earnings sometimes exceed the limit, your average earnings may be considered.
What If Your Circumstances Change?
You must report changes, such as:
- Starting or leaving a job.
- Changes in income.
- Stopping your caring role.
- The person you care for enters the hospital or a care home.
- Another person claiming benefits for the same cared-for person
- You or they move address.
Failure to report changes can lead to overpayments you’ll have to repay.
If your caring role is temporarily paused (hospital stay, respite), Carer’s Allowance can continue for:
- Up to 12 weeks for hospital or respite care.
- Up to 4 weeks for other breaks.
But you must inform the DWP.
How to Claim
You will need:
- Your National Insurance number.
- Bank account or building society details.
- Details of your earnings, deductions, and allowable expenses.
- Information about the person you care for, including their benefit reference or NI number.
Apply online at GOV.UK Carer’s Allowance. If you’re unable to apply online, you can apply by post or call the Carer’s Allowance Unit on 0800 731 0297 to ask for a form.
Don’t Forget
If you receive Carer’s Allowance, you might also qualify for free home energy improvements through government-backed schemes like ECO4 or the Great British Insulation Scheme.
These programmes help households on low incomes or certain benefits make their homes warmer, more energy-efficient, and cheaper to heat. You could get:
- Free loft or wall insulation.
- A new boiler or heat pump.
- Lower heating bills all year round.
It only takes a few minutes to check your home’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating and see if you qualify. Use our quick EPC Checker to find out, it’s free and could help you access valuable support.
People Also Ask
How much is a full Carer’s Allowance?
You can get £83.30 per week for Carer’s Allowance if you care for someone for at least 35 hours a week and they receive a qualifying disability benefit. The payment is intended to help with caring costs and is payable by the DWP when you meet the eligibility conditions. Check GOV.UK for up-to-date payment dates and how it interacts with other benefits.
How much are you allowed to earn and still claim Carer’s Allowance?
From the 7th of April 2025, the earnings threshold is £196 per week after tax, National Insurance and certain deductions (for example half of pension contributions). Your average weekly earnings can be used to work out eligibility if your pay varies. Always include the details of allowable deductions when you calculate your net earnings.
Can a family member be a paid carer?
Local authorities typically do not allow direct payments to be used to pay a spouse, partner or close family member who lives with you to provide care under the council’s direct-payment rules. However, private arrangements outside the council/direct-payment scheme are possible, these are separate from local authority funding and should be formalised if used.
What evidence do you need for Carer’s Allowance?
You’ll need your National Insurance number and bank details, plus proof of earnings (latest payslip or P45) if you work, or course details if you’re a student. You will also need details about the person you care for (name, date of birth and their National Insurance number if known) and evidence of any allowable deductions.
Can I work 20 hours a week and claim Carer’s Allowance?
Possibly, the critical rules are that you must provide at least 35 hours’ care per week and your net earnings must be below the earnings limit (currently £196 a week after deductions). Working 20 hours does not automatically rule you out, but you must meet both the hours and earnings tests to be eligible.
Why would you be refused Carer’s Allowance?
You may be refused if you don’t meet the 35-hour care requirement, your earnings exceed the limit, the person you care for doesn’t receive a qualifying disability benefit, or you receive another benefit (such as the full State Pension) that prevents payment. Residence and immigration conditions also apply and can affect eligibility.
What qualifies you as a carer?
You qualify if you regularly provide unpaid care (typically at least 35 hours a week) to someone who cannot cope without your help because of illness, disability or similar needs, you do not need to live with them or be related to them. The emphasis is on unpaid, regular support that the person depends on.
Useful Resources:
Cost of Living Support Available:
- Household Support Fund (England)
- Cost of Living Payments
- Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI)
- Mortgage Guarantee Scheme
- Council Tax Reduction
ECO4 Support Available:
- Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, Energy Company Obligation
- Ofgem Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) Guidance: Delivery V1.1
- Ofgem Energy Company Obligation (ECO)
- UK Government, Help from your energy supplier: the Energy Company Obligation
- Which? Energy Company Obligation (ECO)
Other Support Available:
Did this advice help?
Help us improve our website. Your feedback will help us give millions of people the information they need.