Carer’s Allowance
What is Carer’s Allowance?
Carer’s Allowance is a benefit from the government for people over 16 who spend at least 35 hours a week looking after someone who needs significant care and support.
Who is a carer?
A carer is someone who provides unpaid care and support to a family member, partner, child, friend or neighbour. The person you care for may have:
- a disability or illness
- mental health difficulties
- or have alcohol or drug related problems
You may not realise that you are a carer. See looking after someone for more information.
Am I eligible for Carer’s Allowance?
Carer’s Allowance is paid to people who care for someone for at least 35 hours a week for someone who receives one of the following benefits;
- Attendance Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP) at either rate of the daily living component
- Disability Living Allowance at the middle or highest rate of care component
- Constant Attendance Allowance at the full day rate with a War Disablement Pension or at the exceptional rate with an Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit.
You can’t receive Carer’s Allowance if you:
- are in full-time education
- study a course described as full-time by the establishment providing it
- earn more than £151 a week after certain deductions (like Income Tax) have been made
Receiving Carer’s Allowance may impact upon other benefits that you receive such as State Pension and it may also impact on the benefit of the person you care for. Get advice before claiming Carer’s Allowance. See below
Visit gov.uk for more information.
How much Carer’s Allowance may I receive?
The person you care for may lose money if you claim Carer’s Allowance, so it is always best to seek advice before making a claim. Carer’s Allowance is £81.90 a week.
For each week you get Carer’s Allowance you’ll automatically get National Insurance credits.
There is no upper age limit to claiming Carer’s Allowance. When you reach state pension age you may no longer be able to claim the full amount of attendance allowance.
How do I apply for Carers Allowance?
Contact the Carer’s Allowance Unit to make a claim.
You can make a claim for Carer’s Allowance online, report a change of circumstances or download the relevant forms at Carers Allowance on Gov.UK
The address for postal applications is Carer’s Allowance Unit, Mail Handling Site A, Wolverhampton, WV98 2AB
Where can I get benefits advice?
You can get benefits advice from a local independent service. They can help guide you through the application process and explain how some benefits may impact upon another:
- Citizens Advice Newcastle (CAN)
- Newcastle Welfare Rights Service have self help material on their website
- Search Newcastle give benefits advice to older people in the West of Newcastle
- Find more about benefit advice services in Newcastle
Other useful information
Visit gov.uk for more information on Carer’s Allowance, including the current rates and how to make a claim.
- Carer’s Allowance – Age UK factsheet
- Money Advice Service provides online information on the full range of benefits that you may be entitled to. This also includes where to find more help and advice.
- The Carers’ Discount Club CarerSmart is a discount club run by Carers Trust. It is free to sign up and you can get many offers, benefits and discounts if you are a carer.
Last updated: July 26, 2024
Share on Twitter
