Benefits Available to Carers

BenefitsLast reviewed: 1 April 20257 min

Unpaid carers — people who look after a family member, friend, or neighbour with a disability, illness, or mental health condition — provide enormous social value but often face significant financial hardship. Several benefits specifically recognise caring responsibilities, and carers may also qualify for a range of other means-tested benefits.

Important

This is general guidance only. Benefit rules can be complex and change frequently. Check GOV.UK or contact Citizens Advice for help with your specific situation.

Key points

  • Carer's Allowance is £81.90 per week (2024–25) for carers who provide at least 35 hours of care per week to someone receiving a qualifying disability benefit.
  • You cannot receive Carer's Allowance and the State Pension at the same rate simultaneously — if your State Pension is equal to or more than Carer's Allowance, you will not receive the cash payment but can still get the underlying entitlement.
  • Carer's Credit protects your National Insurance record if you provide at least 20 hours of care per week but do not qualify for Carer's Allowance.
  • The UC carer element of £198.31 per month is available to UC claimants who provide 35+ hours of care per week.

Carer's Allowance

Carer's Allowance is the main benefit for carers in the UK. To qualify:

  • You must spend at least 35 hours per week caring for someone
  • The person you care for must receive PIP daily living component (either rate), Attendance Allowance, DLA care component (middle or higher rate), the daily living component of Adult Disability Payment (Scotland), or certain other disability benefits
  • You must earn no more than £151 per week after permitted expenses (2024–25 rate)
  • You must be aged 16 or over and not in full-time education

Carer's Allowance is currently £81.90 per week. It is taxable and counts as income for means-tested benefits. Receiving Carer's Allowance can affect the UC or Pension Credit of the person you care for — check the impact on their benefits before claiming.

Universal Credit Carer Element

UC claimants who provide at least 35 hours of care per week to a severely disabled person receive an additional carer element of £198.31 per month. This can be received alongside Carer's Allowance.

You do not need to be in receipt of Carer's Allowance to claim the UC carer element — you just need to meet the caring criteria. Tell your UC work coach about your caring responsibilities and make sure the carer element is included in your award.

Claiming the UC carer element means you are treated as a carer for conditionality purposes — you will have reduced work-related requirements and may not be required to look for work at all if your caring responsibilities are substantial.

Other Support for Carers

Beyond Carer's Allowance and the UC carer element, carers may be entitled to:

  • Carer's Credit: Protects your National Insurance record for State Pension purposes if you provide at least 20 hours of care per week and do not qualify for Carer's Allowance. Apply through the DWP.
  • Carer Premium in legacy benefits: If you receive legacy Housing Benefit, income-related ESA, or income-based JSA, an additional carer premium is added to your applicable amount.
  • Council tax discount: Carers who provide substantial care and live with the person they care for may be disregarded for council tax purposes, potentially allowing the cared-for person to claim a single person discount.
  • Carer's assessments from the council: As a carer, you have the right to a free carer's needs assessment from your local council under the Care Act 2014. This can result in support services, a personal budget, or respite care to help you manage your caring responsibilities.

Frequently asked questions

Can I claim Carer's Allowance if I work?
Yes, as long as your net earnings (after deducting tax, NI, pension contributions, and 50% of any childcare costs) do not exceed £151 per week (2024–25). There is no restriction on how many hours you work — the earnings limit is what matters.
Does claiming Carer's Allowance affect the person I care for?
Yes, potentially. If the person you care for receives the severe disability premium in their Pension Credit or legacy benefits, your claiming Carer's Allowance (or the underlying entitlement to it) can remove that premium, which may reduce their income. Check this carefully before claiming, and seek advice from Citizens Advice.
What is the Carer's Allowance supplement in Scotland?
In Scotland, carers receiving Carer's Allowance receive an additional Scottish Carer's Allowance Supplement paid twice a year by Social Security Scotland. This supplement increases the effective rate of Carer's Allowance in Scotland above the UK-wide rate. It is paid automatically — you do not need to apply separately.

What to do next

  1. 1
    Claim Carer's Allowance

    Apply for Carer's Allowance online or by post.

  2. 2
    Claim Carer's Credit to protect your State Pension

    Protect your NI record if you provide 20+ hours of care per week.

  3. 3
    Request a carer needs assessment

    Free assessment of your needs as a carer from your local council.

Official bodies and resources

Department for Work and Pensions

Government

The government department responsible for welfare, pensions, and child maintenance policy in the UK.

Visit website0800 169 0310

Citizens Advice

Charity

Provides free, confidential, and independent advice on a wide range of issues including benefits, housing, debt, and employment.

Visit website0800 144 8848

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Disclaimer

This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. You should seek qualified legal help if your situation requires it.