Am I entitled to Carer’s Allowance?
Carer’s Allowance is a benefit for people who provide regular care for someone who needs support. It is designed for unpaid carers who spend a significant amount of time caring each week.
Carer eligibility criteria
You may be able to claim Carer’s Allowance if all of the following apply:
You are 16 or over
You provide care for at least 35 hours per week
You are not in full-time education (usually defined as 21 hours a week or more of supervised study)
You live in England, Scotland or Wales (or are a serving member of the armed forces posted overseas)
You have lived in England, Scotland or Wales for at least 2 of the last 3 years (there are exceptions for people with refugee status or humanitarian protection)
You are not subject to immigration control
Your earnings are under the weekly earnings limit after deductions (see below)
You provide care regularly (the person you care for can be a parent, partner, friend, neighbour, or anyone else)
Earnings rule (important)
Your earnings must be under the weekly limit after deductions such as:
Income tax and National Insurance
Some work-related expenses (for example: business costs if self-employed)
Some care costs paid so you can work
Some pension contributions
Travel costs linked to work that are not paid by your employer
If your income changes week to week, it’s still worth checking, as some deductions can make a difference.
The person you care for must receive a qualifying benefit
The person you care for must receive at least one of the following benefits:
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – daily living component
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) – middle or highest care rate
Attendance Allowance
Armed Forces Independence Payment
Constant Attendance Allowance (certain rates, linked to industrial injuries or war pensions)
If you’re not sure what they receive, it’s still worth checking with them or a support service.
What if I already receive other benefits?
In some cases, you may not be paid Carer’s Allowance because of overlapping benefit rules. This usually happens if you already receive certain benefits that are equal to, or higher than, Carer’s Allowance.
You may not be paid Carer’s Allowance if you receive:
State Pension
Contributory Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Incapacity Benefit
Maternity Allowance
Bereavement or widow’s benefits
Severe Disablement Allowance
Contribution-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
Still worth applying: “Underlying entitlement”
Even if you can’t be paid Carer’s Allowance, you may still be able to claim an underlying entitlement. This can increase other benefits you receive.
Because of this, it’s often a good idea to do an online benefits check.
Could it affect the person I care for?
Yes, sometimes it can. In certain cases, the person you care for may lose benefits linked to living alone, such as some severe disability payments.
Because of this, it’s worth checking before you apply, especially if the person you care for receives support linked to being the only adult in the household.
What else might I be entitled to?
If you qualify for Carer’s Allowance, you may also be able to access other support, such as:
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Support from your local council (including a Carer’s Assessment)
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Council Tax reductions (in some situations)
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Grants or bursaries for training related to your caring role
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Universal Credit (depending on your circumstances)
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Pension Credit
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Income Support (in specific situations)
If you live in Scotland, you may also be eligible for the Carer’s Allowance Supplement.
How do I apply for Carer’s Allowance?
You can apply for Carer’s Allowance online or by post. Click the button below to start your application on GOV.UK. If your claim is refused, you can ask for a mandatory reconsideration and appeal if needed.
