Carer's Allowance

Are you providing a caring role for someone and unsure if you are entitled to any help?

You could get £76.75 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.

Please note, Carer’s Allowance can affect the other benefits that you and the person you care for get. You have to pay tax on it if your income is over the Personal Allowance.

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 £132 or less a week after tax, National Insurance and expenses

Before you apply make sure you have your:

National Insurance Number (if you have a partner you’ll need theirs too)
bank or building society details (unless you get your State Pension)
employment details and latest payslip if you’re working
P45 if you’ve recently finished work
course details if you’re studying
details of any expenses, for example pension contributions or the cost of caring for your children or the disabled person while you’re at work

You also need details of the person you care for. You need their:

You can backdate your claim by up to 3 months.

You can apply online at GOV.UK website.

If you cannot apply online, you can apply by post. The address to send your application to is at the end of the form.