Carer’s Allowance is paid to help you look after someone with substantial care needs.
We are here to answer any questions you might have around Carer’s Allowance, but have a read of our helpful guide below for information on everything from eligibility to amount, which may tell you what you need to know.
Who is eligible for Carer’s Allowance?
Carer’s Allowance is a benefit paid to people who spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone who is sick or disabled. You don’t have to be related to, or live with, the person you care for. To be eligible for Carer’s Allowance you must be:
- 16 or over and spend at least 35 hours a week caring for them
- Not be in full time education or studying for 21 hours a week or more
- Earn no more than a specified amount a week (after taxes, care costs while you’re at work and 50% of what you pay into your pension).
Carer’s Allowance is not means-tested, which means that it is paid regardless of your income or savings.
How much is Carer’s Allowance?
The rate of Carer’s Allowance for 2024/25 is £81.90 per week. This rate may change again in the future, so it’s a good idea to check the current rate before making any decisions based on the amount of Carer’s Allowance that you might receive.
Usually, for each week you get Carer’s Allowance or the underlying entitlement, you also get national insurance credits and contributions to your additional state pension. You should still apply for Carer’s Allowance even if you get these as your benefits might be increased.
At this time we are receiving a high number of queries about contact details for both Carer’s Allowance and Attendance Allowance. Below are where you can go to get direct information about either of these. And remember we are here to help with specialist advice for carers.
Carer’s Allowance
Helpline: 0800 731 0297
Textphone: 0800 731 0317
Relay UK – If you cannot hear or speak on the telephone: 18001 then 0800 731 0297
(If you need more help or advice you can call us on 345 241 0954 during office hours Monday to Friday, or email [email protected])
What else can be done?
Research by Carers UK showed well over a third (36%) of carers receiving Carer’s Allowance were struggling to make ends meet, with 15% having been in debt because of caring.
Earlier research with the Universities of Sheffield and Birmingham found more than 100,000 unpaid carers in the UK had to rely on food banks during the pandemic.
81% of carers were spending more money during the coronavirus outbreak – as they faced rising costs including higher domestic bills, paying for additional care and support services, buying equipment to adapt homes, and purchasing technology to help with caring.
It was announced by the government in November 2022 that Carer’s Allowance will increase by 10.1 percent from April 2023, with weekly payments to increase to £76.74, which is just over £300 a month.
