Carers Allowance
Carer’s Allowance is the main benefit for carers. If you are looking after someone for 35 hours a week or more, you may be eligible.
If you can be paid Carer’s Allowance, it is £83.30 a week. The amount paid is reviewed each year in April but isn’t necessarily increased.
If you are getting certain other benefits, including a State Pension, then you may not be able to be paid Carer’s Allowance, although it may still be worth you making a claim.
Carer’s Allowance is not a contributory benefit based on your National Insurance record. Carer’s Allowance is also not a means-tested benefit and so is not based on your and any partner’s income and capital. However, there is a cap on how much you can earn from work and still be entitled to Carer’s Allowance.
Carer’s Allowance is taxable. However, carers will only have to pay tax if they have other sources of taxable income such as occupational or personal pensions or part-time earnings and if this combined income takes them over the threshold for paying tax. Carer’s Allowance on its own is below this threshold.
If you are paid Carer’s Allowance, it will count as income when your means-tested benefits are calculated. However, your means-tested benefit calculations will include a carer premium, carer addition or carer element.
on the Gov.UK website
Useful resources for carers
Information Sheets
- Carers Allowance
- Saving on energy bills
- Benefits calculator
Useful video
- Carers Allowance
- Caring for a person with dementia
Websites of interest
- Carers UK
- Carers Trust
Barnet resources
- Understanding dementia
- Caring for a person with dementia
How we can help
Carers Needs Assessments
A Carers Needs Assessment can help you get the support you need. It takes less than an hour and can be done over the telephone. Book one today at a time that is convenient to you.
Events for Carers
We run lots of events for carers so come and get involved. From Yoga and Mindfulness to coffee mornings, there is something for everyone – and if there is something that you would like us to put on, just let us know and we will do our best to accommodate your wishes. Check out our events calendar.
Expert support
Our expert Adult Carer support staff have years of experience in helping carers get the help they need. Whether you are brand new to caring or have been doing it for some time, if you need a hand, contact them and arrange a call.
