Carer's Allowance, made simple
If you are in the UK, find out if you're eligible for £4,258 a year to support you in your caring role.
Carer’s Allowance is the main benefit for unpaid carers - controlled centrally by the Government. Worth an extra £4,258 a year to support you look after someone, find out in less than three minutes if you're eligible with our simple and free claim checker.
Here’s Suzanne, our Head of Carer Support, with tips on Carer’s Allowance.
Everything you need to know about
Carer’s Allowance 2024
Other parts of the UK
What is Carer's Allowance in the UK?
Carer’s Allowance is the main benefit you can apply for if you’re regularly looking after a family member or friend. To be eligible for Carer’s Allowance you must be:
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Spending at least 35 hours a week looking after someone with a disability, and
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Earning less than £151 per week
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Live in England, Scotland, or Wales for at least two of the last three years
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Not in full-time education
In Scotland, Carer’s Allowance is known as ‘Carer Support Payment’.
If you're eligible for Carer’s Allowance, you’ll receive £81.90 a week - that’s £4,258 a year. It can be backdated for up to three months.
Find out if you’re eligible for Carer’s Allowance, using our free claim checker. In less than three minutes, you’ll know if you should apply for Carer’s Allowance.
If you’re already receiving Carer’s Allowance, take a look at our financial support for carers guide which includes more help with the cost of caring.
Carer's Allowance Increase 2024/25
This year, Carer's Allowance increased by 6.7% which is £5.15 per week, from a total of £76.75 to £81.90. This means that if eligible, you could expect to receive a total of £4,258.80 in a year for caring for a family member or friend.
The new Carer’s Allowance rate for 2025 will be announced around the Spring of 2025.
How do I claim Carer's Alowance?
If you are eligible, you can apply for Carer’s Allowance through the Government’s website.
Before you apply you’ll need to have the following documents to hand:
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Your National Insurance number (and if applicable, your partner’s too)
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Any bank or building society details you have (unless you get your State Pension)
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If you’re working, then your employment details and your latest payslip
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If you’ve recently finished work, then your P45
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If you’re studying, you’ll need your course details, including the number of hours you’re studying
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Details of any expenses. Such as the cost of caring for your children or the disabled person while you’re at work. Or any pension contributions you are making. A proportion of your pension contributions can be offset against your weekly earnings, making it more likely you will be entitled to Carer’s Allowance. For example, if you pay £100 per month into a pension, then 50% of that, i.e. £50 can be deducted from your earnings, when calculating your eligibility.
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You will need the following information for the person you care for:
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Their address
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Their date of birth
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If they're over 16, their National Insurance number, and
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If they’re under 16, their Disability Living Allowance reference
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How is Carer's Allowance paid?
Carer’s Allowance in the UK is paid by bank transfer to your nominated bank, building society or credit union account. You can choose to be paid your Carer’s Allowance every week or once a month.
Can Carer's Allowance be backdated?
Yes, Carer's Allowance can be backdated for up to three months from when you first made a claim. When applying for Carer's Allowance, you can request backdated payments as long as you met the eligibility criteria during that period.
This includes providing at least 35 hours of care per week and ensuring the person you care for receives a qualifying benefit, like Personal Independence Payment, Disability Living Allowance, or Attendance Allowance.
How long does the Carer's Allowance decision take?
Typically, it can take between eight to 12 weeks for you to receive your Carer’s Allowance decision. But we’re hearing from our community of carers that a backlog of claims means it can take between 12 to 15 weeks. If successful, your money can be backdated up to three months prior to our claim date.
Processing times can also vary depending on the complexity of your caring situation and any additional information that may be required. If the claim is refused, you can request a "mandatory reconsideration" (also known as challenging a benefit decision), which can add time to the process.
We know this can be a long wait so check out our Financial Support For Carers guide which covers more financial support from discounts on utility bills, support from the local council and more.
“Give them a call a few days after you have sent off your application! I applied four months ago and have heard nothing back. I didn’t follow up, as my circumstances have changed, and I no longer needed to claim. But I would definitely recommend giving them a call to make sure they have everything they need.”
You can get in touch with the Carer’s Allowance Unit team on 0800 731 0297 (Monday - Friday 8am-6pm.
Can I claim Carer's Allowance for myself?
You can claim Carer’s Allowance for yourself if you meet the following eligibility criteria:
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Earning below £151 per week after tax and allowable expenses
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Spending a minimum of 35 hours each week, looking after someone with a disability
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If you’re a student, you must not be studying more than 21 hours per week
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If you’re retired, there are a few more things to consider
In addition, the person we're caring for must receive one of the following qualifying benefits:
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The care component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA), at either the middle or higher rate
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The daily living component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) at either rate
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Attendance Allowance at either rate. Or Constant Attendance Allowance of the normal maximum rate, paid with the Industrial Injuries or War Pensions schemes
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Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)
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Child Disability Payment - the middle or highest care rate
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Adult Disability Payment - daily living component at the standard or enhanced rate
If you are getting Carer's Allowance, you are automatically eligible for Carer's Credit. This is a National Insurance credit that goes towards your National Insurance contributions.
“As a parent, it didn’t occur to me that I was also a carer for my son with complex needs. Accessing Carer's Allowance has been so helpful to us, especially as I have been unable to return to work.”
Allowable expenses and deductibles
You must earn below £151 a week to qualify for Carer's Allowance. This is after certain allowable expenses and excludes certain income.
Allowable expenses include:
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50% of pension contributions
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Equipment needed to do your job, such as specialist clothing
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Travel costs, which aren't covered by your employer
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Business costs if you’re self-employed, for example, a computer you only use for work
Check out our guide ‘Can we care and work?’, to find out more about how working may affect Carer’s Allowance.
Deductible expenses include:
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Money from an occupational or private pension
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Contributions towards living or accommodation costs such as from someone you live with (but not a tenant or boarder)
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The first £20 a week and 50% of the rest of any income you make from someone boarding in your home
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A loan or advance payment from your employer
How much is the full Carer's Allowance?
The full Carer’s Allowance if eligible, is £81.90 a week, or £4,258 a year to help with extra caring costs you might have. This is paid directly into your bank account, building society or credit union account.
Carer’s Allowance is a taxable benefit, which means that it is considered income. This may affect how much you receive on your other benefits, such as Universal Credit.
How much can I earn to claim Carer’s Allowance?
To claim Carer’s Allowance, you must be earning below £151 per week (after tax) and caring for a family member or friend for at least 35 hours of your week. You can also choose for Carer’s Allowance to be paid every week or once a month.
If you are earning more than £151 per week (after tax) you may not be eligible for Carer’s Allowance.
If you are not working fixed hours and your income fluctuates, you may be eligible for Carer’s Allowance for the weeks your earnings fall below this threshold. If your income changes from time to time, it’s important to let the Department for Work Pensions (DWP) know to make sure you don’t end up paying back later on.
Check if you can get Carer’s Allowance
We'll follow up with a simple email and the next steps. We’ve created a very simple tool to help you find out if you’re eligible for Carer’s Allowance. Just fill out a few questions, and we’ll send you an email on whether you’re eligible and how to apply. Get answers in less than three minutes.
Carer's Allowance and working part-time
If you are working part-time, you can still receive Carer’s Allowance if you earn less than £151 per week from your job, after taxes and allowance expenses.
If you're not working fixed hours, plan to take up more hours or return to work, it’s important to note that earning more than £151 a week may stop your Carer’s Allowance. Take a look at our handy guide on how increasing working hours can impact your Carer's Allowance.
Carer's Allowance if I’m over pension age (65+)
If you are over pension age, you can still claim Carer's Allowance if your state pension is less than Carer’s Allowance, £81.90 a week. This difference will be topped up by Carer’s Allowance.
If your State Pension is more than Carer's Allowance, you won't be eligible for Carer's Allowance. In this instance, it's still worth making a claim, as sometimes you may still be eligible for an 'underlying entitlement’ to Carer's Allowance.
In these circumstances, you should be sent a letter. This will confirm any 'underlying entitlement' to Carer’s Allowance. If you have not received anything, get in touch with the Carer’s Allowance Unit and let them know of the situation.
📝 Note that any money from a Private Pension is not counted as earnings when considering eligibility for Carer’s Allowance.
You may also be entitled to Pension Credit if your income is low. This opens up further benefits (more on this below).
Pension Credit and Carer's Allowance
If you are over pension age, you also may be eligible for other benefits such as Pension Credit, if you’re on a low income. This is separate from State Pension and is extra money to help with your living costs such as bills, groceries, housing or rent.
Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit, which means it may affect if you’re eligible for Carer’s Allowance and how much you can receive.
It’s also helpful to know that if you are receiving Pension Credit before or on the 21st December 2024, you might be eligible to get the Winter Fuel Payment automatically.
What if I'm not entitled to Carer's Allowance?
If you’re not eligible for Carer’s Allowance, check out our Discounts for Carers guide to see where you can get money off, including utility bills, council tax and more. You may also be eligible for the underlying entitlement to Carer’s Allowance instead. This underlying entitlement opens up access to other benefits, even if you’re not receiving Carer's Allowance. Such as:
• Free prescriptions and dental treatment
• Cold Weather Payment
• Warm Home Discount
• Free TV licence, if you're over 75.
Independent Age, has a useful factsheet.
Plus, check out our benefits and savings toolkit to make sure you and the person you care for are not missing out on other financial help.
What benefits will Carer’s Allowance affect?
Carer’s Allowance is a taxable benefit. This means that although Carer's Allowance is a benefit, it's also classed as income. As a result, it may affect other benefits you receive or the benefits of the person you care for. We’ve included some examples below.
Severe Disability Premium and Carer’s Allowance
For example, if you’re receiving Carer's Allowance, the person you care for will lose their severe disability premium. So it’s always worth checking before you start your claim. It may be helpful to talk to Citizens Advice if you are unsure.
If you’re considering working, read how Carer's Allowance will affect your benefits, the more hours you take on.
Universal Credit and Carer's Allowance
Carer’s Allowance will be counted as income if you are getting Universal Credit. You can receive both Carer’s Allowance and Universal Credit at the same time.
Because Carer’s Allowance is considered an income, the same amount will be deducted from your Universal Credit payment. Claiming Carer’s Allowance is still worth doing so that your National Insurance Credits are paid.
If you’re receiving Universal Credit, you may also qualify for a Carer’s Element of Universal Credit, which is £198.31 a month on top of your Universal Credit. You don’t need to receive Carer’s Allowance to get the Carer’s Element of Universal Credit.
To be eligible for the Carer’s Element, you must be caring for at least 35 hours a week. The person you care for must also be receiving these qualifying benefits.
Personal Independence Payment and Carer's Allowance
If you are a carer but you also have your own care needs, you can still claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for yourself. Receiving PIP will not affect your Carer's Allowance.
Disability Living Allowance and Carer's Allowance
If the person you look after is under 16 and is receiving Disability Living Allowance (DLA), then this will not affect your Carer's Allowance. This is because DLA is a tax-free benefit and so will not affect any other benefits, including Carer’s Allowance.
DLA will be replaced by other benefits and you should receive a letter from the DWP explaining this.
Attendance Allowance and Carer's Allowance
You can be both a carer, receiving Carer’s Allowance, and also claim for Attendance Allowance to support yourself. The person you care for may also be eligible for Attendance Allowance. Attendance Allowance is not means-tested and so will not affect any other benefits, including Carer’s Allowance.
Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit
If you receive Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit, your entitlement to these benefits may be affected if you also receive Carer's Allowance. This is because Carer's Allowance is considered to be income and so may reduce the amount of these benefits you are entitled to receive.
If you do receive Child Tax Credit, it’s worth contacting the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), and letting them know about your Carer’s Allowance claim to avoid any penalties in the future.
Can you get Carer's Allowance for more than one person?
No, you cannot get Carer’s Allowance for more than one person. Only one carer can receive Carer’s Allowance at any given time. If there are multiple people looking after the same person, only one person doing the caring can receive Carer’s Allowance.
If you need more help with the costs of caring, check out our guides to save some money with discounts or on utility bills and council tax.
If the person you're caring for goes into a care home or hospital
You should always also tell the DWP if you temporarily stop providing care and:
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you or the person you care for are expected to be in hospital, a nursing home, or respite care for a period longer than 12 weeks
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you stop caring for a period greater than 28 days, for any other reason
If you've lived outside of the UK
To be eligible for Carer’s Allowance, we must have lived in England, Scotland or Wales for at least two of the last three years.
If you're not a UK Citizen
Whether you are a citizen of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland affects whether you can claim Carer’s Allowance.
For example, If you have an EU, EEA, or Switzerland Citizenship, you must provide proof that:
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You made the claim while residing in England, Scotland, or Wales
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The UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man is your primary residence, and you intend to remain there
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You've spent the last two out of the last three years living in either England, Scotland or Wales
What happens to my benefits if I go abroad?
You can continue receiving Carer's Allowance for up to four weeks in a six-month period. This can be extended if you're going abroad temporarily with the person you care for and they're in receipt of Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment.
Can I study and still get Carer's Allowance?
You can receive Carer’s Allowance if you’re not studying more than 21 hours per week. Or if you’re not in full-time education.
If you are studying more than 21 hours a week, there may be extra help to cover the costs of school supplies. Check to see whether your university is offering a Young Adult Carers Bursary.
What other financial support can I get as carer?
There are also other benefits you can claim other than Carer’s Allowance to support you in your caring role:
Carer's Credit
You may be eligible for Carer's Credit if you are still providing at least 20 hours of care. This is a National Insurance Credit (rather than a payment) that counts towards benefits such as State Pension.
Use our simple checker tool to find out if you're eligible for Carer's Credit.
Attendance Allowance
You can claim Attendance Allowance if you are caring for someone and also have a mental or physical health disability of your own.
Carer’s Assessment
A Carer's Assessment is carried out by the local council or local carers service. This could be done in person or over the telephone and may result in financial and practical support.
Help with the cost of caring
We’re a growing community of unpaid carers, and each day we share top tips including discounts for carers.
You can also take a look at our financial support for carers guide 💰 to find out what other benefits you or the person you care for may be eligible for. From help with healthcare costs to energy bills.
Temporary breaks in caring
You can still get Carer’s Allowance, even if you have temporarily had to stop providing care. This refers to any period of time when you spend less than 35 hours a week caring for the other person. The person you care for must still receive their disability benefit.
It’s important that you tell the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) if you temporarily stop providing care.
Change of circumstances
Carer's Allowance may stop because of changes to your circumstances, temporary stops in caring, or if the person we care for passes away.
You should always report relevant changes in your circumstances to the Carer's Allowance unit. If you do not report changes, you could be eligible to repay funds.
Changes that should be reported, include:
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When you start a new job
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When you are starting or ending full-time education
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Any changes to your income
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If you stop being a carer
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If the person you care for, no longer qualifies for their disability benefit (in which you may still be eligible for Carer's Credit by completing a Care Certificate).
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If someone else takes over the caring role
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When someone else who cares for the same person, claims the carer’s element of Universal Credit
How do I change Carer’s Allowance over to someone else?
You can’t simply transfer your Carer’s Allowance to someone else. You will need to notify the DWP of your changes in circumstance, to cease your payments. The new carer can then apply for their own Carer’s Allowance for the support they’re giving.
They will need to meet the Carer’s Allowance requirements which they can check for free using our tool.
Carer’s Allowance when someone dies
You can continue receiving Carer’s Allowance, for up to eight weeks after the death of the person you were caring for.
If the person you care for has passed away, the Government has a ‘tell it once’ service. This means that you report a death to most government organisations in one go rather than multiple times.
Going through this transition period is a difficult time for us. That’s why, with the input of carers in the Mobilise Community, we’ve created a hopefully helpful guide 📖, on what help is out there for us when the person we care for passes away.
How do I stop Carer’s Allowance?
To stop Carer’s Allowance, you can report your changes in circumstance here.
Carer's Allowance Contact Number
Contact the Carer’s Allowance unit by calling them on 0800 731 0297. They’re open Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm.
You can also report a change of circumstances through the Government website. Or posting to them at:
Carers Allowance Unit
Mail Handling Site A
Wolverhampton
WV98 2AB
Carer's Allowance Form
There are two ways we can apply for Carer’s Allowance. We can apply through the Government website, or by post. Both will require you to fill out a form.
More Carer's Allowance questions
"Is Carer's Allowance taxable?"
Carer's Allowance is a taxable benefit. But, we will only have to pay tax if we have taxable income from other sources, which together exceed the tax threshold. These could include personal pensions or part-time earnings.
Carer's Allowance on its own falls below the taxable threshold.
Before you start, use our free and easy claim checker, to find out if you’re eligible.
If you are, simply hop over to the Government website and start your claim.
"Does Carer's Allowance cover Job Seeker's Allowance?"
Unfortunately, Carer's Allowance does not cover the Job Seeker's Allowance - you need to both have worked as an employee and paid Class 1 National Insurance contributions in the last two or three years.
Carer's Allowance Supplement 2024
If you’re already receiving Carer’s Allowance or the Carer Support Payment, you’ll automatically also receive the Carer's Allowance Supplement.
The Carer’s Allowance Supplement is paid in two parts:
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£288.60 which was paid on 8th April 2024
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£288.60 which was paid on 7th October 2024 (You should receive a letter from Social Security Scotland before the payment is made)
You will not be able to receive the Carer’s Allowance Supplement if you’re receiving the ‘underlying’ entitlement to Carer’s Allowance.
Carer's Allowance is also set to be replaced by 'Carer Support Payment' from Spring 2024 depending on where you live in Scotland - with the weekly amount staying the same and no breaks in payments.
If you’re a young carer in Scotland (16-18) and caring for an average of 16 hours, you may be eligible for a Young Carer Grant. This is if you’re not already in receipt of Carer's Allowance.
Carer's Allowance in Northern Ireland
If you’re over 16, live in Northern Ireland, and are caring for someone for at least 35 hours a week, you may be eligible for Carer’s Allowance.
You can apply for Carer’s Allowance in Northern Ireland online here.
Carer's Allowance in Wales
To be eligible for Carer's Allowance in Wales, you must be at least 16 years old, and spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone who receives a qualifying disability benefit.
You can apply for Carer's Allowance online or by phone.
Carer's Allowance in Wales
To be eligible for Carer's Allowance in Wales, you must be at least 16 years old, spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone who receives a qualifying disability benefit.
You can apply for Carer's Allowance online or by phone.
How can Mobilise help me?
We've created a free and easy Carer’s Allowance checker that takes you just a few minutes. You’ll quickly find out what support you could receive and, even better, how to actually claim it.
“Mobilise’s checker was so quick and easy - it made me feel heard and I’ve been able to access more help that I didn’t know I was eligible for. Everyone should take 5 minutes to do this”
“I finally understand what I am eligible for - I can’t believe it was free and so easy. Thank you Mobilise.”
