CARER’S ALLOWANCE

(Updated 03/04/2023)

What is Carer's Allowance?

Carer’s Allowance is a benefit for people who are giving regular and substantial care to disabled people. Carer’s Allowance is a taxable benefit and forms part of your taxable income.

‍Am I eligible to claim Carer's Allowance?

You can usually get Carer’s Allowance if all of the following apply:

you're aged 16 or over
you're not in full time education
you spend at least 35 hours a week caring for a disabled person
you don't earn more than £132 a week from employment or self-employment – after deductions such as income tax, National Insurance and half of your pension contributions
you're not subject to immigration control that would stop you getting benefits

The person you're caring for must get one of the following benefits, called 'qualifying benefits':

Attendance Allowance
Constant Attendance Allowance
the care component of Disability Living Allowance at the middle or highest rate
the daily living component of Personal Independence Payment (either rate)
Armed Forces Independence Payment

You usually have to be in Great Britain when you claim. There are some exceptions, for example, for members and family members of the Armed Forces.

You might be able to get Carer's Allowance if you and the person you are caring for move to the EU, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland or Liechtenstein, or if you’re already living in one of these countries. You can find out more about claiming benefits if you live, move or travel abroad on GOV.UK.

Carers Allowance & Your State Pension

You cannot get the full amount of both Carer’s Allowance and your State Pension at the same time.

If your pension is £69.70 a week or more, you will not get a Carer’s Allowance payment.

If your pension is less than £69.70 a week, you’ll get a Carer’s Allowance payment to make up the difference.

How do I claim for Carer's Allowance?

To make a claim for Carer's Allowance you can: