Carer's Allowance — What You're Entitled to as a Carer
Carer's Allowance is a benefit for people who provide at least 35 hours a week of care for a disabled person. It's one of the most overlooked benefits in the UK — millions of unpaid carers are entitled but don't claim. This guide explains the eligibility rules, the earnings limit, how Carer's Allowance interacts with other benefits, and how to claim.
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Who can claim Carer's Allowance?
You can claim Carer's Allowance if:
- ✓You're 16 or over
- ✓You spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone
- ✓The person you care for receives PIP daily living component (either rate), DLA middle or high care component, Attendance Allowance, or certain other disability benefits
- ✓You're not in full-time education
- ✓Your earnings after allowable deductions are no more than £151 per week (2024/25)
- ✓You're habitually resident in Great Britain
How much is Carer's Allowance?
Carer's Allowance is currently £81.90 per week (2024/25). It is paid weekly in arrears or fortnightly.
You may also be entitled to a Carer's Element in Universal Credit (£198.31/month) if you claim UC and meet the caring criteria — even if you don't receive Carer's Allowance itself.
How Carer's Allowance affects other benefits
This is where many carers get caught out — Carer's Allowance has a complex relationship with other benefits:
- ✓Carer's Allowance counts as income for means-tested benefits (UC, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction)
- ✓If you receive UC, your UC award is reduced pound-for-pound by any Carer's Allowance you get — but you also gain the Carer's Element (£198.31/month), which is usually more
- ✓If you're on Pension Credit, receiving Carer's Allowance can entitle you to an additional 'carer premium'
- ✓The person you care for may lose their 'severe disability premium' in their own benefits when you claim Carer's Allowance — check this before claiming
- ✓State Pension — claiming Carer's Allowance protects your NI record with carer credits
How to claim Carer's Allowance
What happens when caring ends or circumstances change
- ✓You must report changes in circumstances promptly — including changes to your earnings, hours of care, or the person's disability benefit
- ✓If the person you care for goes into hospital for more than 4 weeks, Carer's Allowance may be reduced or stopped
- ✓If the person you care for dies, Carer's Allowance continues for 8 weeks
- ✓Overpayments can occur if you don't report changes — these must be repaid and can be recovered from future benefits
- ✓If your earnings go over the limit temporarily, you can contact DWP and some short-term fluctuations may be managed
Get advice about your specific situation
Ash is a free UK guidance assistant. Ask about your rights, get step-by-step guidance, and generate a formal letter if you need one.
Talk to Ash — it's freeNo sign-up · No account · Works for England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland