Carers can get £69.70 per week in Carer’s Allowance, which is the main benefit to help those with caring responsibilities in the UK.
Carer’s Allowance is paid to people who spend at least 35 hours a week looking after someone else and they claim certain benefits.
You do not have to live with the person you care for or be related to them. If someone else is looking after the same person as you, only one of you can claim Carer’s Allowance.
Carer’s Allowance is not means-tested, which means that what you get is not based on your income or savings, nor does it depend on your National Insurance contributions.
There is however a cap on how much you can earn from work and still be eligible.
You have to pay tax on Carer’s Allowance if your combined income is over the Personal Allowance of £12,570.
On its own, Carer’s Allowance is below the threshold for paying tax.
Carer’s Allowance during COVID-19
During the pandemic you will still be eligible for Carer’s Allowance even if you are forced to take a break for a period of time.
This could be if you, or the person you are caring for, get the virus and have to isolate.
Emotional support counts towards your 35 hours per week and you will be able to claim if this is what you provide, even if you live in different households and are not able to meet face to face. This means that phone calls or other forms of contact apply.
How much is Carer’s Allowance?
In 2022/23, carers in the UK can receive £69.70 each week in Carer’s Allowance.
If you are under pension age, you will receive National Insurance credits towards your pension each week as well.
Carers who live in Scotland and receive Carer’s Allowance automatically receive Carer’s Allowance Supplement (CAS) to bring Carer’s Allowance to the level of Jobseeker’s Allowance.
The amount paid is a lump sum of £245.70 which you get twice a year as long as you are eligible for and claim Carer’s Allowance.
Who can claim Carer’s Allowance?
To qualify for Carer’s Allowance, you need to care for someone at least 35 hours a week.
This can include:
- Helping with meal preparation and washing
- Taking the person to appointments
- Doing the shopping
During the coronavirus pandemic, the 35 hours per week of care includes emotional support.
Requirements for the carer
You must meet the following requirements to be entitled to Carer’s Allowance:
- Spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone (you do not need to live with them or be related)
- The person you care for receives a qualifying disability benefit
- Be at least 16 years old
- Not earn more than £132 per week after tax, national insurance and 50 per cent of what you pay into your pension
- Have been in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland for a minimum of two of the last three years
- Normally live in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, or live overseas as a member of the armed forces, or living in or moving to another EEA country or Switzerland
- Not be in full-time education or studying 21 hours per week or more
- Not be subject to immigration control
Overlapping benefits
Carer’s Allowance does not count towards the benefit cap, but normally you cannot get it if you receive one or more of the below benefits:
- State Pension
- contributory Employment and Support Allowance
- Incapacity Benefit
- Maternity Allowance
- Bereavement or widow’s benefits
- Severe Disablement Allowance
- contribution-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
If you receive State Pension but you are otherwise eligible, you could be awarded extra Pension Credit or Housing Benefit instead.
Requirements for the person being cared for
The person you care for must already receive one of the following disability benefits:
- Personal Independence Payment (daily living component)
- Disability Living Allowance (middle or highest rate)
- Attendance Allowance
- Constant Attendance Allowance (at or above normal maximum rate with an Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit or at the basic rate with a War Disablement Pension)
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
How to claim Carer’s Allowance
If you feel that you meet all the requirements listed above, you may be entitled to Carer’s Allowance.
The claim can be backdated up to three months as long as you meet the requirements.
Before you make a claim, make sure you have the below on hand (if applicable).
Your details:
- Your National Insurance Number (and your partner’s)
- Bank or building society details
- If you are working: Employments details and your latest payslip
- Your P45 if you have recently finished work
- Details of the course you are studying
- Details of any expenses, such as pension contributions.
Details of the person you care for:
- Date of birth
- Their address
- National Insurance number if they are aged 16 or over
- Disability Living Allowance if they are under 16
To apply for Carer’s Allowance, visit the UK government’s website to begin the process.
Alternatively, you can call the Carer’s Allowance Unit on 0800 731 0297 to request a claim pack.
If you are in Northern Ireland, apply online here or call 800 587 0912.
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