Carer's 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 £69.70 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.
Apply to Carer's Allowance
To check if you are eligible to claim it and start your application, simply click on the button below (you will be redirected to an external website).
Need advice about your caring role?
Caring can become overwhelming sometimes. If you feel like you need more information, advice or support in your caring role, you can book a Carer's Assessment to talk to an Adult Carers Coordinator.