Benefits Robin

Benefits for Carers in the UK

If you care for someone with a disability, health condition, or age-related needs, you may be entitled to financial support in recognition of your caring role. Carer's Allowance is the main benefit for carers, but there are several other forms of support that could be available to you. Many carers do not realise they may be eligible for benefits, particularly if they do not think of themselves as a "carer" — if you regularly help someone with daily tasks, personal care, or keeping safe, you may be providing care that qualifies.

Check Your Eligibility

Carer's Allowance

Carer's Allowance is the main benefit for people who care for someone at least 35 hours a week. The person you care for must receive a qualifying disability benefit such as PIP daily living component, Attendance Allowance, or DLA middle or highest rate care component. You could receive up to £81.90/week. There is an earnings limit of £151/week after deductions — if you earn more than this, you cannot receive Carer's Allowance payments. However, you can still have an underlying entitlement which may increase other benefits. Carer's Allowance also provides National Insurance credits.

Additional Financial Support

As a carer, you may also be entitled to the carer element in Universal Credit (an additional amount added to your UC payment), or the carer addition in Pension Credit if you are over State Pension age. If you receive Income Support, a carer premium may be added. You may also be eligible for Council Tax Reduction, and in some cases carers are exempt from the Council Tax single person discount rules. Being a carer can also affect your work-related requirements under Universal Credit.

Benefits you may be eligible for

Based on this circumstance, you may want to check your eligibility for the following benefits. Eligibility depends on your individual situation.

Carer's Allowance

For people who care for someone with a disability 35+ hours per week.

Up to £83.30/wk

Universal Credit

Main means-tested benefit for working-age people on low income.

Varies by circumstance

Pension Credit

Tops up weekly income for people over State Pension age.

Up to £218.15/wk (couple)

Housing Benefit

Help with rent for people on low income.

Varies by area

Council Tax Reduction

Reduction on Council Tax for people on low income or receiving certain benefits.

Up to 100% discount

Income Support

For people on a very low income who are not required to sign on as unemployed.

Up to £90.50/wk

Quick links

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get Carer's Allowance if I also work?
You can work and claim Carer's Allowance, provided you earn no more than £151 per week after deductions (such as tax, National Insurance, and some care costs). There is no limit on the number of hours you can work, only an earnings limit. If you earn slightly over the limit, it may be worth checking whether allowable deductions could bring your earnings below the threshold.
What if the person I care for does not receive a qualifying disability benefit?
To claim Carer's Allowance, the person you care for must receive a qualifying disability benefit. If they do not currently receive one, it may be worth helping them check their eligibility for PIP, Attendance Allowance, or DLA. If they are awarded a qualifying benefit, you could then apply for Carer's Allowance. Even without Carer's Allowance, you may still be eligible for the carer element in Universal Credit if you provide at least 35 hours of care per week.
Will claiming Carer's Allowance affect the benefits of the person I care for?
Claiming Carer's Allowance does not reduce the disability benefit received by the person you care for. However, if they receive a severe disability premium or severe disability addition as part of their Pension Credit, Income Support, or other benefits, this element may be removed when someone claims Carer's Allowance for looking after them. It is worth checking the overall impact on both people's benefits before making a claim.

Check what benefits you could be entitled to

Our free eligibility checker covers 20+ UK benefits. It takes around 15 minutes and there is no obligation.

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Check your eligibility for 20+ UK benefits

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Important: Benefits Robin is not affiliated with the DWP or UK Government. We provide information and assistance, not legal or financial advice. These are estimates based on your answers. Final decisions are made by the DWP.