DWP - Carers' Allowance

You could get £81.90 a week if you care for someone at least 35 hours a week and they get certain benefits.

You do not have to be related to, or live with, the person you care for.

You do not get paid extra if you care for more than one person.

If someone else also cares for the same person as you, only one of you can claim Carer’s Allowance.

Eligibility:

You may be eligible for Carer’s Allowance if you, the person you care for and the type of care you provide meets certain criteria.

The person you care for

The person you care for must already get one of these benefits:

• Personal Independence Payment - daily living component
• Disability Living Allowance - the middle or highest care rate
• Attendance Allowance
• Constant Attendance Allowance at or above the normal maximum rate with an Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
• Constant Attendance Allowance at the basic (full day) rate with a War Disablement Pension
• Armed Forces Independence Payment
• Child Disability Payment - the middle or highest care rate
• Adult Disability Payment - daily living component at the standard or enhanced rate

The type of care you provide

You need to spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone. This can include:

• helping with washing and cooking
• taking the person you care for to a doctor’s appointment
• helping with household tasks, like managing bills and shopping

Your eligibility

All of the following must apply:

• you’re 16 or over
• you spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone
• you’ve been in England, Scotland or Wales for at least 2 of the last 3 years (this does not apply if you’re a refugee or have humanitarian protection status)
• you normally live in England, Scotland or Wales, or you live abroad as a member of the armed forces (you might still be eligible if you’re moving to or already living in an EEA country or Switzerland)
• you’re not in full-time education
• you’re not studying for 21 hours a week or more
• you’re not subject to immigration control
• your earnings are £151 or less a week after tax, National Insurance and expenses

If you’re not eligible

You might be eligible for Carer’s Credit if you’re not eligible for Carer’s Allowance.

Effect on Other Benefits:

Carer’s Allowance can affect the other benefits that both you and the person you care for get. Use a benefits calculator to work out how your other benefits will be affected.

If You’re Working:

You can work and get Carer’s Allowance, as long as you spend at least 35 hours in your caring role.

Entitledto:

Visit the free, anonymous benefits calculator at Entitledto for information on income-related benefits, tax credits, contribution-based benefits, and more.

How to Apply:

For more information and to apply, visit Carer's Allowance.

Resources:

• DWP: Get Help With Benefits and Pensions if You Have Accessibility Needs (Link)
• DWP: Guide to Carer’s Allowance, Easyread (Link)
• DWP Sign: Carer's Allowance, BSL (YouTube Playlist)