If you care for someone with a disability or serious health condition, you may be entitled to Carer’s Allowance—a government benefit designed to support unpaid carers across the UK.
Whether you’re caring for a child, parent, partner, friend, or neighbour, you don’t need to live with the person or be related to them. What matters is the level of care you provide.
What Is Carer’s Allowance?
Carer’s Allowance is a weekly payment of £81.90 (as of April 2024/2025) to people who spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone who receives a qualifying disability benefit.
Are You Eligible?
To claim Carer’s Allowance, you must meet all of the following conditions:
✅ You:
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Are aged 16 or over
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Spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone
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Have income (after tax, National Insurance, and expenses) of £151 or less per week
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Are not in full-time education
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Are not studying for 21 hours or more a week
✅ The person you care for must receive one of the following benefits:
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Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – daily living component
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Disability Living Allowance (DLA) – middle or highest rate for personal care
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Attendance Allowance
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Armed Forces Independence Payment
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Constant Attendance Allowance (at or above the basic rate, with Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit or War Pension Scheme)
Can You Still Work and Claim Carer’s Allowance?
Yes, you can work, but your net earnings must not exceed £151 per week after deductions for:
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Income tax
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National Insurance
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Pension contributions
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Up to 50% of costs for childcare or replacement care (e.g., if you pay someone to look after the person while you work)
Can You Receive Carer’s Allowance Alongside Other Benefits?
Carer’s Allowance can affect the other benefits you or the person you care for receive. For example:
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It may reduce means-tested benefits, like Universal Credit
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If you're already receiving State Pension, you may not receive the full amount of Carer’s Allowance (but you could get Carer’s Premium added to other benefits)
It’s always worth doing a benefits check or speaking to an advisor before applying.
When and How to Apply
You can apply for Carer’s Allowance at any time, but it’s best to do it as soon as the person you care for is awarded one of the qualifying benefits.
If you’ve already been providing care for 35+ hours a week, you might be entitled to backdated payments. You must claim within three months of their benefit being awarded to receive backdated support.
Apply Online or by Post
You can apply:
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Online at the official site:
👉 Apply for Carer’s Allowance -
Or by calling the Carer’s Allowance Unit on 0800 731 0297 to request a paper form
Want More Advice?
Charities like Carers UK offer excellent resources and personalised advice to help you through the process, especially if your situation is complex.
Please note: The above is for general information purposes only. We are not financial or legal advisors, and we always recommend checking the latest official government guidance or speaking to a benefits advisor before making any claims or financial decisions.
Information correct as of April 2025
