If you look after someone who can’t fully look after themselves, you might be able to claim Carer's Allowance. It’s a government payment that helps with the extra costs of caring. In this guide we break down who can get it, how to apply and what to expect after you start receiving it.
First things first – you must be 16 or older, not in full‑time education and earn less than £132 a week after tax and National Insurance. You also need to be caring for someone who gets a qualifying disability benefit, like Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA). The care you provide has to be at least 35 hours a week. That can be spread across days, as long as it adds up.
To start the claim, go to the government’s Carer’s Allowance website and fill out the online form. You’ll need the care‑receiver’s National Insurance number, a copy of their disability benefit award letter, and your own bank details. If you prefer paper, you can call the helpline and ask them to mail you a form.
After you submit, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will check your earnings, the care‑receiver’s benefit status and the hours you claim. Most people hear back within 4‑6 weeks. If they need more info, they’ll contact you – so keep your documents handy.
When approved, you’ll get a weekly payment of £109.80 (2024/25 rate). The money goes straight into your bank account, usually on a Thursday. It’s considered taxable income, so you might have to pay tax if your total earnings go above the personal allowance.
Getting Carer’s Allowance can affect other benefits. For example, it may reduce or stop some means‑tested benefits like Income Support, but it won’t touch Pension Credit or Housing Benefit in most cases. The DWP provides an online calculator to see how your other benefits might change.
If your circumstances change – you work more hours, the person you care for stops receiving a qualifying benefit, or you stop caring for at least 35 hours a week – you must report it immediately. Failure to do so can lead to overpayments that you’ll have to pay back.
One tip many claimants miss: you can claim alongside a part‑time job, as long as your earnings stay under the £132 limit. Some people use flexible, low‑pay work to stay within the threshold while still getting the allowance.
Another handy trick is to ask the local authority for a Carer’s Assessment. Even though it’s not required for the allowance, the assessment can open up extra support like respite care, equipment grants or training.
In short, Carer’s Allowance can ease the financial strain of caring, but you need to watch the earnings limit and keep your paperwork up to date. If you think you qualify, start the online claim today – the sooner you apply, the quicker the support arrives.
