If you care for or look after someone who is disabled, you may be able to claim Carer’s Allowance. You do not have to be related to the person.
Criteria to apply
To claim Carer’s Allowance the cared-for person has to be claiming specific benefits throughout the award length.
Additionally, the carer who wishes to claim Carer’s Allowance has to meet the eligibility criteria. It is important to note that claiming this benefit can alter the benefits received by the cared-for person and the carer. Please see the Government website for further information on the eligibility criteria and information about how this benefit interacts with other benefits.
Here are some of the main criteria:
The carer is over 16 years of age
The carer is not studying more than 21 hours a week
The carer does not earn over £128 a week after Tax, National Insurance and expenses.
Care is provided for at least 35 hours per week
Those who are not eligible for Carer’s Allowance may be eligible for Carer’s Credit. Please see here for more information.
How to apply
You can apply online via the website or by post.
Reporting Changes
There are certain situations, where the claimant must report changes to their caring role to the Department of Work and Pensions to avoid paying back the benefit and risking a fine.
Full details can be found here.
Here are a few of the main reasons:
The cared-for person no longer receives an eligible benefit.
The cared-for person is hospitalised or cared for in a care home or respite setting for more than 12 weeks
The carer starts education for more than 21 hours a week
The carer has an increased income
The carer ceases to care for the cared-for person, this includes temporary periods of more than 28 days
Someone else is claiming the allowance for the cared-for person
Further information
Those who are not eligible for Carer’s Allowance, but are caring for someone for more than 20 hours a week may be eligible for Carer’s Credit. Please see here for more information.
Carer’s UK has published information and updates about Carer’s Allowance. Please visit their website for further information.
Advocacy Support
For more information, please contact the MPS Advocacy Team by email at advocacy@mpssociety.org.uk
or by phone on 0345 389 9901.
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Factsheet
Read and download our factsheet on Carers Allowance below:
