This guide has been put together to help the unpaid carers of Solihull learn and understand Carers Allowance; the primary benefit for carers.
We have broken it into relevant sections to make it easier for you to understand. If you would still like advice on who you need to talk to regarding your carers allowance, then please get in touch with us, so we can direct you to a solution.
If you have reached this page and not sure if you are a carer, then we can help you. Please follow the relevant link below for your age group, we are happy to help!
CONTENTS
- What is carers allowance?
- Who can claim carers allowance?
- If you're not eligible for carer's allowance
- Carer's Credit
- If you're paid carers allowance
- Claim carers allowance
- If your circumstances change
- Carers allowance eligibilty conditions - further information
- Overlapping benefits - further information
- Further Help
What is Carers Allowance?
If you spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone with an illness or disability, you may be eligible for extra money called Carer’s Allowance.
It is paid at a rate of £81.90 per week (2024/25). Carer’s Allowance is the main benefit for carers. If you can claim this benefit, it is £81.90 a week. The amount paid is reviewed each year in April. If you receive certain other benefits, including a State Pension, you may not be able to be paid Carer’s Allowance, although it may still be worth you making a claim.
Carer’s Allowance is not a means-tested benefit which means that it is not based on your income and capital (or any partner’s). However, you can only be paid Carer’s Allowance if your earnings from work are under a certain capped amount.
Carer’s Allowance is taxable. However, carers will only have to pay tax if they have other sources of taxable income such as occupational or personal pensions or part-time earnings, and if this combined income takes them over the threshold for paying tax.
Carer’s Allowance on its own is below this threshold. If you are paid Carer’s Allowance, it will count as income when your means-tested benefits are calculated. However your means-tested benefit calculations will include a carer premium, carer addition or carer element.
To receive an ‘underlying entitlement’ to Carer’s Allowance, you still have to make a claim and meet all the other eligibility criteria.
If you dedicate a minimum of 35 hours per week to caring for an individual with an illness or disability, you may qualify for additional financial support known as Carer’s Allowance.
The allowance is set at £81.90 per week for the year 2024/25 and serves as the primary benefit for carers. This amount is subject to annual review each April. If you are eligible for this benefit, you will receive £81.90 weekly. It’s important to note that certain circumstances, such as receiving other benefits like a State Pension, may impact your eligibility for Carer’s Allowance; however, it is still advisable to apply.
Carer’s Allowance is not a means-tested benefit, meaning it is not dependent on your or your partner’s income or assets. Nevertheless, you can only receive Carer’s Allowance if your earnings from employment do not exceed a specified limit.
While Carer’s Allowance is subject to taxation, carers will only be liable to pay tax if they have other taxable income sources, such as occupational or personal pensions, part-time work earnings, and if the total income surpasses the tax threshold.
Carer’s Allowance itself remains below this threshold. If you are in receipt of Carer’s Allowance, it will be considered as income in the calculation of your means-tested benefits. However, your benefit’s assessment will include a carer premium, carer addition, or carer element.
To establish an ‘underlying entitlement’ to Carer’s Allowance, you must submit a claim and meet all other eligibility requirements.
Who Can Claim Carers Allowance?
Not every carer can get Carer’s Allowance. You may be eligible if you meet all the following conditions:
- You look after someone who gets a qualifying disability benefit.
- You look after that person for at least 35 hours a week.
- You are aged 16 or over.
- You are not in full-time education.
- You don’t earn over £196 a week (after deductions).
- You satisfy UK residence and presence conditions.
Read here for more information about these conditions
You cannot usually be paid Carer’s Allowance if you receive one or more of the following benefits:
- State Pension
- Contributory Employment and Support Allowance
- Incapacity Benefit
- Maternity Allowance
- Bereavement or widow’s benefits
- Severe Disablement Allowance
- Contribution-based Jobseeker’s Allowance.
This is because of the ‘overlapping benefits’ rules.
Read here for more information about these overlapping benefits here
Not every carer qualifies for Carer’s Allowance. You may meet the eligibility criteria if you fulfill all of the following conditions:
- You provide care for an individual receiving a qualifying disability benefit.
- You care for this person for a minimum of 35 hours per week.
- You are 16 years old or above.
- You are not engaged in full-time education.
- Your weekly earnings do not exceed £196 after deductions.
- You meet the residence and presence requirements in the UK.
You are typically ineligible for Carer’s Allowance if you receive any of the following benefits:
- State Pension
- Contributory Employment and Support Allowance
- Incapacity Benefit
- Maternity Allowance
- Bereavement or widow’s benefits
- Severe Disablement Allowance
- Contribution-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
This restriction is due to ‘overlapping benefits.’
Read here for more information about these overlapping benefits here
This means that if you are getting more than the amount of Carer’s Allowance from one of the above benefits, you cannot be paid Carer’s Allowance. However, you can still claim an ‘underlying entitlement’ to Carer’s Allowance.
To receive an ‘underlying entitlement’ to Carer’s Allowance, you still must make a claim and meet all the other eligibility criteria. Having a ‘underlying entitlement’ to Carer’s Allowance can increase any means tested benefits you are already getting or might mean you become entitled to means-tested benefits for the first time.
This is because the carer premium, carer addition or carer element can be included in the calculation for means-tested benefits. However, if any of the benefits listed above are paid at less than the amount of Carer’s Allowance, you could be paid a small amount of Carer’s Allowance on top of the other benefit you receive.
This means that if you are receiving a higher amount from one of the benefits listed above than the Carer’s Allowance, you will not receive Carer’s Allowance. Nonetheless, you can still apply for an ‘underlying entitlement’ to Carer’s Allowance.
To qualify for an ‘underlying entitlement’ to Carer’s Allowance, you must still submit a claim and satisfy all other eligibility criteria. Holding an ‘underlying entitlement’ to Carer’s Allowance can potentially enhance any means-tested benefits you currently receive or may allow you to access means-tested benefits for the first time.
This is because the carer premium, carer addition, or carer element can be factored into the means-tested benefits calculation. However, if any of the aforementioned benefits pay out less than the Carer’s Allowance amount, you may be eligible for a partial Carer’s Allowance in addition to the other benefit you receive.
If you're not eligible for Carers Allowance
If you care for a person or people for at least 20 hours a week, you might be able to get Carer’s Credits. These are credits that fill in gaps in your National Insurance record – this decides whether you can get:
- State Pension
- contributory Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- contribution-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
Carer’s Credit is a National Insurance credit that helps with gaps in your National Insurance record. Your State Pension is based on your National Insurance record. Your income, savings or investments will not affect eligibility for Carer’s Credit.
If you provide care for an individual or individuals for a minimum of 20 hours per week, you may qualify for Carer’s Credits. These credits serve to bridge any lapses in your National Insurance history, which determines your eligibility for:
- State Pension
- contributory Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- contribution-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
Carer’s Credit functions as a National Insurance credit aimed at addressing any deficiencies in your National Insurance track record. The calculation of your State Pension is reliant on your National Insurance history. Importantly, your income, savings, or investments do not impact your eligibility for Carer’s Credit.
Carer's Credit
If you care for a person or people for at least 20 hours a week, you might be able to get Carer’s Credits. These are credits that fill in gaps in your National Insurance record – this decides whether you can get:
- State Pension
- contributory Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- contribution-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
Carer’s Credit is a National Insurance credit that helps with gaps in your National Insurance record. Your State Pension is based on your National Insurance record. Your income, savings or investments will not affect eligibility for Carer’s Credit.
To get Carer’s Credit you must be:
- aged 16 or over
- under State Pension age
- looking after one or more people for at least 20 hours a week
The person you’re looking after must get one of the following:
- Disability Living Allowance care component at the middle or highest rate
- Attendance Allowance
- Constant Attendance Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment daily living part
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Child Disability Payment (CDP) care component at the middle or highest rate
- Adult Disability Payment daily living component at the standard or enhanced rate
If you provide care for someone for a minimum of 20 hours per week, you may be eligible for Carer’s Credits. These credits help fill gaps in your National Insurance record, which affects your access to benefits such as:
- State Pension
- contributory Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- contribution-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
Carer’s Credit is a National Insurance credit designed to address deficiencies in your National Insurance history. Your State Pension eligibility is determined by your National Insurance contributions, and your income, savings, or investments do not impact your eligibility for Carer’s Credit.
To qualify for Carer’s Credit, you must:
- Be aged 16 or above
- Be below State Pension age
- Provide care for at least 20 hours per week to one or more individuals
The individual you care for must receive one of the following benefits:
- Disability Living Allowance care component at the middle or highest rate
- Attendance Allowance
- Constant Attendance Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment daily living part
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Child Disability Payment (CDP) care component at the middle or highest rate
- Adult Disability Payment daily living component at the standard or enhanced rate
If the individual you are caring for does not receive any of the mentioned benefits, you might still qualify for Carer’s Credit. Simply complete the ‘Care Certificate‘ section of the application form when you apply for carers allowance, and have a health or social care professional endorse it when you apply.
You can still get Carer’s Credit even if you have breaks from caring (up to 12 weeks in a row).
For example, you’ll still get Carer’s Credit for 12 weeks if:
- you take a short holiday
- someone you look after goes into hospital
- you go into hospital
Keep the Carer’s Allowance Unit updated if you have a break in caring of more than 12 weeks in a row.
Carer’s Allowance Unit
Telephone: 0800 731 0297
Textphone: 0800 731 0317
Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 731 0297
British Sign Language (BSL) video relay service if you’re on a computer – find out how to use the service on mobile or tablet
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Find out about call charges
You can continue to receive Carer’s Credit even if you take breaks from your caregiving duties (up to 12 consecutive weeks).
For instance, you will still be eligible for Carer’s Credit for 12 weeks in scenarios such as:
- Going on a short vacation
- The person you care for being hospitalised
- Your own hospitalisation
Ensure you inform the Carer’s Allowance Unit if you have a caregiving break exceeding 12 weeks in a row.
Contact details for the Carer’s Allowance Unit:
- Telephone: 0800 731 0297
- Textphone: 0800 731 0317
- Relay UK (for individuals who cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 followed by 0800 731 0297
- British Sign Language (BSL) video relay service available for computer users – instructions for using the service on mobile or tablet
- Operating hours: Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
- Information on call charges can be obtained by clicking here.
If you are paid carers allowance
If you are paid Carer’s Allowance, it will count as income when your means-tested benefits are calculated. However, your means-tested benefit calculations will include a carer premium, carer addition or carer element.
The carer premium is an extra amount of money included in the calculation of Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction.
The carer addition is an equivalent amount paid with Pension Credit. The carer element is an equivalent amount paid with Universal Credit.
If you receive Carer’s Allowance, it will be considered as part of your income when determining your means-tested benefits. However, your means-tested benefit assessments will take into account a carer premium, carer addition, or carer element.
- The carer premium is an additional sum factored into the calculations for benefits such as Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Housing Benefit, and Council Tax Reduction.
- The carer addition is a corresponding amount provided with Pension Credit.
- The carer element is a matching sum disbursed with Universal Credit.
The carer premium and carer addition are both worth about £45.60 a week. The carer element is worth £198.31 a month (approx. £45.60 a week).
What this means in practice is that if you are paid Carer’s Allowance and are already getting a means-tested benefit, your means-tested benefit will decrease slightly. However, overall, you will be better off because you will have the Carer Premium/ Addition/ Element included when calculating the level of your award and you will also have a separate payment of Carer’s Allowance payment coming in.
The carer premium and carer addition each amount to approximately £45.60 per week, while the carer element is valued at £198.31 per month (approximately £45.60 per week).
In practical terms, if you receive Carer’s Allowance in addition to an existing means-tested benefit, your means-tested benefit may reduce slightly. Nonetheless, overall, you will benefit because the Carer Premium/ Addition/ Element will be factored into the calculation of your benefit level, and you will also receive a separate payment from Carer’s Allowance.
Claim carers allowance
How to Claim
To claim carers allowance, visit http://www.gov.uk/carers-allowance/how-to-claim to apply online or download a claim form.
Request a claim pack DS700 (or DS700(SP) if you are getting a State Pension) by calling the Carer’s Allowance Unit on 0800 731 0297 (text phone 0800 731 0317, calls from typetalk are also welcome).
Note: When you fill in the online claim form, the person you are looking after no longer needs to sign their consent. There is a disclaimer section where you declare that you have made/will make the person you are looking after aware of the potential consequences to their benefits: click here for more information. A notification will be sent to the person you are looking after informing them that a Carer’s Allowance claim has been made and the impact this may have on their benefits.
How to Claim
To claim Carer’s Allowance, you can either apply online or download a claim form from http://www.gov.uk/carers-allowance/how-to-claim
To request a claim pack DS700 (or DS700(SP) if you receive a State Pension), contact the Carer’s Allowance Unit at 0800 731 0297 (text phone 0800 731 0317, calls from typetalk are also accepted).
Please note that when completing the online claim form, the person you care for no longer needs to provide their consent. Instead, there is a disclaimer section where you declare that you have informed or will inform the person you care for about the potential impact on their benefits – click here for more information. A notification will be sent to the cared-for individual regarding the Carer’s Allowance claim and its potential effects on their benefits.
When to claim
Carer’s Allowance can generally be backdated for up to three months, as long as you are eligible during this period. However, there are exceptions where Carer’s Allowance can be backdated further than three months.
If you claim Carer’s Allowance within three months of the person you care for getting a decision about their qualifying disability benefit, Carer’s Allowance can be paid back from the date the qualifying disability benefit became payable (as long as you meet the Carer’s Allowance conditions for this whole period). You need to ask for backdating on the claim form. Carer’s Allowance can also be claimed up to three months in advance, so long as you can show you meet the eligibility criteria at the future date. Payments will be made from when you become eligible.
When to claim
Carer’s Allowance can generally be backdated for up to three months if you were eligible during that period. However, there are circumstances where it can be backdated beyond three months.
If you apply for Carer’s Allowance within three months of the cared-for person receiving a decision on their qualifying disability benefit, Carer’s Allowance can be backdated to the date when the disability benefit became payable (provided you meet the Carer’s Allowance conditions throughout this period). You must request backdating on the claim form. Additionally, Carer’s Allowance can be claimed up to three months in advance, as long as you can demonstrate that you meet the eligibility criteria on the future date. Payments will commence from the date you become eligible.
Receiving your decision
You will receive a written decision on your claim that tells you whether you have been awarded Carer’s Allowance and from what date. If you are awarded the ‘underlying entitlement’ only, you will still receive a written decision letter. Keep your decision letters as they can be used as proof of your caring role if needed.
Receiving your decision
Upon completion of your claim, you will receive a written decision informing you of whether you have been granted Carer’s Allowance and the effective date of the award. If you are granted ‘underlying entitlement’ only, you will still receive a written decision letter. It is advisable to retain these decision letters as they can serve as evidence of your caregiving responsibilities when required.
How to challenge the decision
If you are refused Carer’s Allowance, you can ask the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in England, Wales and Scotland, or the Department for Communities (DfC) in Northern Ireland to look at the decision again. You must do this before you appeal. This is called a mandatory reconsideration.
Once the decision has been reconsidered, you will be sent two copies of a mandatory reconsideration notice. If you still disagree once they have reviewed their decision, you can go on to lodge an appeal with the Tribunal Service (England, Wales and Scotland) or the Appeals Service (Northern Ireland). You will need to attach a copy of the mandatory reconsideration notice with the appeal.
It is important to challenge a decision or get advice as quickly as possible because there are time limits that generally mean you must take action within one month. If you fall outside of this time limit, it may still be possible to challenge the decision.
Email Carers UK Helpline at advice@carersuk.org for further guidance. For more information about appealing a benefit decision, visit carersuk.org/appealsguide
How to challenge the decision
If your application for Carer’s Allowance is declined, you have the option to request a reconsideration of the decision from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). This step, known as a mandatory reconsideration, must be taken before proceeding to an appeal.
After the decision is reviewed, you will receive two copies of a mandatory reconsideration notice. If you remain dissatisfied after the reconsideration, you can proceed to appeal to the Tribunal Service, attaching a copy of the mandatory reconsideration notice with the appeal.
Acting promptly is crucial as there are time constraints typically requiring action within one month. If you miss this deadline, there may still be avenues to contest the decision.
For further assistance or advice, you can reach out to the Carers UK Helpline at advice@carersuk.org. Additional information on appealing a benefit decision can be found at http://www.carersuk.org/appealsguide.
If your circumstances change
If there is a change in your circumstances, it is important to report this as soon as possible to avoid any overpayment of benefit. You can report this online at http://www.gov.uk/carers-allowance-report-change or contact the Carer’s Allowance Unit (England, Wales and Scotland) or the Disability and Carers Service (Northern Ireland) – see page 25 for contact details. It’s a good idea to keep a record too. If you’re concerned about overpayments, you can email Carers UK for guidance at advice@carersuk.org
In case of any changes in your situation, it is crucial to promptly notify the relevant authorities to prevent benefit overpayments. You can report changes online at http://www.gov.uk/carers-allowance-report-change or get in touch with the Carer’s Allowance Unit. Keeping a record of the changes is also recommended. If you have concerns about overpayments, you can seek advice from Carers UK by emailing them at advice@carersuk.org.
Taking a break
You can take a break from caring for up to four weeks in every 26 weeks and still be paid Carer’s Allowance. You must have been providing 35 hours or more of care a week for at least 22 of the past 26 weeks (up to eight weeks of a stay in hospital for either you or the person you are looking after can be included in the 22 weeks). The person you have been caring for must have been receiving a qualifying benefit for that period.
Carer’s Allowance will continue to be paid for up to 12 weeks in any 26- week period if you go into hospital (as long as you or the person you care for spent at least eight of those weeks in hospital). You must have been providing care for 35 hours or more a week for at least 14 of the past 26 weeks. The person you care for must also have been receiving a qualifying benefit for that period. If that stops, your Carer’s Allowance may stop sooner.
Note that Carer’s Allowance will stop if your total breaks add up to more than 12 weeks in the past 26 weeks. For guidance on protecting your National Insurance record if this happens, see pages 16-17.
Taking a break
You are allowed to take a break from caring for a maximum of four weeks within a 26-week period and still receive Carer’s Allowance. To qualify, you must have provided 35 hours or more of care per week for at least 22 of the last 26 weeks (including up to eight weeks of hospital stays for either you or the individual you care for). During this period, the person being cared for must have been receiving a qualifying benefit.
If you or the person you care for is hospitalised, Carer’s Allowance can be paid for up to 12 weeks within any 26-week period, provided that at least eight of those weeks were spent in the hospital. You should have been giving care for 35 hours or more per week for at least 14 of the past 26 weeks, and the person you care for should have been receiving a qualifying benefit during that time. If the qualifying benefit ceases, your Carer’s Allowance may also end.
It’s important to note that if your total breaks exceed 12 weeks within the last 26 weeks, your Carer’s Allowance will cease.
Travelling abroad
You can continue to be paid Carer’s Allowance for a temporary period whilst you are abroad if you meet all of the following conditions:
- you go abroad with the person you are looking after
- the person you are looking after continues to receive a qualifying disability benefit (likely to be a maximum of 26 weeks)
- the purpose of your trip is to look after them
In any other circumstances, you can continue to be paid Carer’s Allowance for up to four weeks as long as you have not had more than four weeks’ break from caring in the last 26 weeks. You may have had up to a further eight weeks’ break from caring in the last 26 weeks if the reason for the break was because you or the person you care for were in hospital.
Carer’s Allowance will continue to be paid for up to 12 weeks in any 26- week period if you go into hospital (as long as you or the person you care for spent at least eight of those weeks in hospital). You must have been providing care for 35 hours or more a week for at least 14 of the past 26 weeks. The person you care for must also have been receiving a qualifying benefit for that period. If that stops, your Carer’s Allowance may stop sooner.
Note that Carer’s Allowance will stop if your total breaks add up to more than 12 weeks in the past 26 weeks. For guidance on protecting your National Insurance record if this happens, see pages 16-17.
Travelling abroad
You can receive Carer’s Allowance temporarily while abroad if the following conditions are met:
- You travel abroad with the person you care for.
- The person you care for continues to receive a qualifying disability benefit (typically up to a maximum of 26 weeks).
- The purpose of your trip is to provide care for them.
Under different circumstances, you can still receive Carer’s Allowance for up to four weeks as long as you have not taken more than four weeks off from caring in the last 26 weeks. You may have had an additional eight weeks off from caring in the last 26 weeks if the reason for the break was due to hospitalisation of either you or the person you care for.
Carer’s Allowance can be paid for up to 12 weeks within any 26-week period if you or the person you care for is hospitalised for at least eight of those weeks. You should have been giving care for 35 hours or more per week for at least 14 of the past 26 weeks, and the person you care for should have been receiving a qualifying benefit during that period. If the qualifying benefit ceases, your Carer’s Allowance may also cease.
It’s essential to be aware that Carer’s Allowance will be discontinued if your total breaks exceed 12 weeks within the last 26 weeks.
If the person you’re caring for goes into hospital
If the person you are looking after goes into hospital and you are no longer providing care for at least 35 hours a week, you can continue to receive Carer’s Allowance for up to 12 weeks or until their disability benefit stops.
- If you are looking after a child who was under 18 when they went into hospital, their disability benefit can continue to be paid for the whole time they are there.
- If you look after an adult aged 18+, their disability benefit will stop after 28 days (and may stop sooner if they have been in hospital or residential care in the 28 days before this current stay).
Note that Carer’s Allowance will stop if your total breaks add up to more than 12 weeks in the past 26 weeks.
If the person you are looking after goes into hospital and you continue to provide care for at least 35 hours a week, you can continue to get Carer’s Allowance until their disability benefit stops. This means that if the person you look after is a child who is under 18 when they go into hospital, and you continue to provide care for at least 35 hours a week, you can continue to get Carer’s Allowance for the whole time they are there.
If your Carer’s Allowance stops due to the person you look after being in hospital, you can continue to get the carer premium or addition paid within your means-tested benefits for eight weeks after your Carer’s Allowance stops.
If you were receiving Income Support as a carer, this can continue for up to eight weeks after your Carer’s Allowance stops (and should increase to the amount you were receiving from both Carer’s Allowance and Income Support).
If your Carer’s Allowance stops due to the person you look after being in hospital and you are claiming Universal Credit, the carer element within your Universal Credit will also stop.
If the person you’re caring for goes into hospital
If the person you are looking after goes into hospital and you are no longer providing care for at least 35 hours a week, you can continue to receive Carer’s Allowance for up to 12 weeks or until their disability benefit stops.
- If you are looking after a child who was under 18 when they went into hospital, their disability benefit can continue to be paid for the whole time they are there.
- If you look after an adult aged 18+, their disability benefit will stop after 28 days (and may stop sooner if they have been in hospital or residential care in the 28 days before this current stay).
Note that Carer’s Allowance will stop if your total breaks add up to more than 12 weeks in the past 26 weeks.
If the person you are looking after goes into hospital and you continue to provide care for at least 35 hours a week, you can continue to get Carer’s Allowance until their disability benefit stops. This means that if the person you look after is a child who is under 18 when they go into hospital, and you continue to provide care for at least 35 hours a week, you can continue to get Carer’s Allowance for the whole time they are there.
If your Carer’s Allowance stops due to the person you look after being in hospital, you can continue to get the carer premium or addition paid within your means-tested benefits for eight weeks after your Carer’s Allowance stops.
If you were receiving Income Support as a carer, this can continue for up to eight weeks after your Carer’s Allowance stops (and should increase to the amount you were receiving from both Carer’s Allowance and Income Support).
If your Carer’s Allowance stops due to the person you look after being in hospital and you are claiming Universal Credit, the carer element within your Universal Credit will also stop.
If the person you’re caring for goes into residential care
If the person you are looking after goes into residential care, you will only be able to continue to claim Carer’s Allowance if they continue to receive a qualifying disability benefit and you are still caring for them for at least 35 hours a week.
The following benefits will usually stop after four weeks, when someone moves into residential care (and may stop sooner if they have been in hospital or residential care in the 28 days before this current stay):
- the care component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Child Disability Payment (CDP)
- the daily living component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Adult Disability Payment (ADP)
- Attendance Allowance
However, there are certain circumstances when these benefits can continue, such as where the person is paying their own fees. If your Carer’s Allowance stops due to the person you are looking after moving into residential care, you can continue to get the carer premium or addition paid with your means-tested benefits for eight weeks after your Carer’s Allowance stops.
If you are receiving Income Support as a carer, this can continue for eight weeks after your Carer’s Allowance stops (and should increase to the amount you were receiving from both Carer’s Allowance and Income Support). If your Carer’s Allowance stops due to the person you look after being in residential care and you are claiming Universal Credit, the carer element within your Universal Credit will also stop.
If the person you’re caring for goes into residential care
If the individual you care for enters residential care, you can only maintain your Carer’s Allowance eligibility if they still receive a qualifying disability benefit and you continue to provide care for them for a minimum of 35 hours per week.
The following benefits typically cease after four weeks when someone transitions to residential care (and may halt sooner if they have been in hospital or residential care in the 28 days prior to the current stay):
- The care component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Child Disability Payment (CDP).
- The daily living component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Adult Disability Payment (ADP).
- Attendance Allowance.
There are exceptions where these benefits may persist, such as when the individual is self-funding their care. If your Carer’s Allowance ends due to the cared-for person moving to residential care, you can still receive the carer premium or addition along with your means-tested benefits for eight weeks post cessation of Carer’s Allowance.
If you receive Income Support as a carer, it can continue for eight weeks after your Carer’s Allowance ends (and should adjust to the amount you were receiving from both Carer’s Allowance and Income Support). In case your Carer’s Allowance stops because the person you care for is in residential care and you are on Universal Credit, the carer element within your Universal Credit will also cease.
If the person you’re caring for dies
This can be a very difficult time as you and family members try to come to terms with your loss. First and foremost, Carers UK have some guidance to help with the grieving process: carersuk.org/help-and-advice/practical-support/coping-with-bereavement/
It may also be helpful to understand how your loss would affect your benefits. You can usually continue to receive Carer’s Allowance for up to eight weeks after the person you are looking after dies, as long as you continue to meet the age, study, earnings and residence criteria (see pages 3-10). The person you care for must have been entitled to a qualifying disability benefit when they died.
If you are receiving means-tested benefits, you can usually continue to receive the carer premium or addition within your means-tested benefits for up to eight weeks after the person you look after dies. If you are receiving Income Support as a carer, this can also continue for up to eight weeks afterwards.
If you are receiving Universal Credit, the carer element usually continues for the rest of the assessment period in which the death occurred, and for the next two assessment periods.
If the person you’re caring for dies
During this challenging period of coping with loss, both you and your family may find it difficult to adjust. Carers UK offers guidance to assist with the grieving process, which can be accessed at http://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/practical-support/coping-with-bereavement/
Understanding how the loss impacts your benefits is important. Typically, you can still receive Carer’s Allowance for up to eight weeks following the death of the person you care for, provided you continue to meet the age, study, earnings, and residence requirements. The individual you cared for must have been eligible for a qualifying disability benefit at the time of their passing.
For those on means-tested benefits, you can usually retain the carer premium or addition within your benefits for up to eight weeks after the death of the person you looked after. If you receive Income Support as a carer, this support can also continue for up to eight weeks post the bereavement.
If you are on Universal Credit, the carer element typically persists for the remainder of the assessment period in which the death occurred and for the subsequent two assessment periods.
Overlapping benefits - Further Information
State Pensions
While there is no upper age limit for claiming Carer’s Allowance, payment of Carer’s Allowance usually stops when you reach retirement age because your State Pension will be paid instead (unless your State Pension is less than the amount of Carer’s Allowance, in which case you could continue to be paid a small amount of Carer’s Allowance). This is because of the ‘overlapping benefits’ rules. However, you may still be able to get some extra money in recognition of your caring role, because you can still have an ‘underlying entitlement’ to Carer’s Allowance. It is therefore worth getting a benefit check if you are about to get your State Pension and want to know whether this ‘underlying entitlement’ will financially benefit you. Another good reason would be if you are already getting your State Pension and want to know whether it is worth claiming this ‘underlying entitlement’ to Carer’s Allowance. Even though you could ask to carry on being paid Carer’s Allowance instead of getting your State Pension straight away (ie you could defer your pension), you will not build up any extra pension during that time. If you are considering deferring your pension, you may want to seek advice.
State Pensions
When claiming Carer’s Allowance, there is no age limit, but payments typically cease upon reaching retirement age to make way for State Pension, unless State Pension is lower. This change is due to the ‘overlapping benefits’ rules. Despite this, individuals may retain an ‘underlying entitlement’ to Carer’s Allowance, potentially providing additional financial support for their caregiving role. Before receiving State Pension, it is advisable to undergo a benefit check to assess the impact of this entitlement. Similarly, if already receiving State Pension, exploring the option of claiming the ‘underlying entitlement’ to Carer’s Allowance is recommended. Opting to continue receiving Carer’s Allowance instead of immediate State Pension does not lead to additional pension accumulation. If contemplating deferring the State Pension, seeking advice can help in making informed decisions.
Means tested benefits
If you are paid Carer’s Allowance, it will count as income when your means-tested benefits are calculated. However, your means-tested benefit calculations will include a carer premium, carer addition or carer element.
The carer premium is an extra amount of money included in the calculation of Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction (Rate Relief in Northern Ireland).
The carer addition is an equivalent amount paid with Pension Credit. The carer element is an equivalent amount paid with Universal Credit.
The carer premium and carer addition are both worth about £45.60 a week. The carer element is worth £198.31 a month (approx. £45.60 a week).
What this means in practice is that if you are paid Carer’s Allowance and are already getting a means-tested benefit, your means-tested benefit will decrease slightly. However, overall, you will be better off because you will have the Carer Premium/ Addition/ Element included when calculating the level of your award and you will also have a separate payment of Carer’s Allowance payment coming in.
Means tested benefits
Receiving Carer’s Allowance affects the calculation of means-tested benefits as it is considered income. Nonetheless, this calculation incorporates a carer premium, carer addition, or carer element.
The carer premium is an extra sum factored into Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Housing Benefit, and Council Tax Reduction (Rate Relief in Northern Ireland). The carer addition is an equivalent payment under Pension Credit, while the carer element corresponds to Universal Credit. Both the carer premium and carer addition amount to around £45.60 weekly, whereas the carer element is valued at £198.31 monthly (approximately £45.60 per week).
Essentially, receiving Carer’s Allowance alongside means-tested benefits leads to a slight reduction in the latter. However, the inclusion of the Carer Premium/ Addition/ Element in benefit calculations and the additional Carer’s Allowance payment ultimately result in a more advantageous financial situation.
If you are not paid Carer’s Allowance because you are being paid another benefit that overlaps with it, you can still get the carer premium or addition as you have what’s called an ‘underlying entitlement’ to Carer’s Allowance
If you meet the criteria for Carer’s Allowance (or would do so but for the fact that your earnings are too high), you can still get the carer element in Universal Credit even if you don’t make a claim for Carer’s Allowance.
When you are awarded Carer’s Allowance or the ‘underlying entitlement’ to Carer’s Allowance, let the relevant means-tested benefit department know so that the carer premium, carer addition or carer element can be included in your benefit calculation. The carer premium, carer addition or carer element can be backdated to the date your Carer’s Allowance was backdated to. The contact details for the relevant benefit departments should be on any letters they have sent to you.
If you are not already getting a means-tested benefit and are awarded Carer’s Allowance or the ‘underlying entitlement’ to Carer’s Allowance, it would be worth getting a benefits check to see if you might be entitled to anything else.
If you do not receive Carer’s Allowance due to receiving another overlapping benefit, you can still receive the carer premium or addition through an ‘underlying entitlement’ to Carer’s Allowance. Even if your earnings disqualify you from Carer’s Allowance, meeting its criteria allows you to receive the carer element in Universal Credit without formally applying for Carer’s Allowance. Upon being granted Carer’s Allowance or the ‘underlying entitlement,’ inform the appropriate means-tested benefit department to incorporate the carer premium, addition, or element in your benefit assessment, which can be retroactively applied to the backdating of your Carer’s Allowance.
Contact information for the relevant benefit departments can typically be found in their correspondence with you. If you are not currently receiving means-tested benefits and are approved for Carer’s Allowance or the ‘underlying entitlement,’ consider undergoing a benefits check to explore potential entitlements.
The benefits of the person you’re looking after
If you claim Carer’s Allowance, the disability benefit of the person you are looking after will not be affected, and if they are getting a State Pension, this will not be affected either. However, if the person you are looking after is getting means-tested benefits, your claim for Carer’s Allowance could affect how much they get. If they are getting the severe disability premium (or severe disability addition in Pension Credit) as part of their meanstested benefits, they will lose this if you are paid Carer’s Allowance.
The severe disability premium (or severe disability addition in Pension Credit) is £81.50 a week and will be included in the means-tested benefits of the person you are looking after if they meet all of the following:
- They receive a qualifying disability benefit:
- the middle or the higher rate of the care component of DLA
- the daily living component of PIP (at either rate)
- Attendance Allowance (at either rate) or Constant Attendance Allowance paid with the Industrial Injuries or War Pensions schemes or
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- They live alone (but there are exceptions, for example if they live with other people who all also receive a qualifying disability benefit).
- No one is being paid Carer’s Allowance or the carer element of Universal Credit for looking after them:
- If you aren’t getting Universal Credit and just receive the ‘underlying entitlement’ to Carer’s Allowance, the person you are looking after will not lose their severe disability premium (or addition).
- If you are getting Universal Credit and aren’t being paid Carer’s Allowance, but get the carer element in your Universal Credit award, then the person you are looking after will lose their severe disability premium (or addition).
The benefits of the person you’re looking after
When you apply for Carer’s Allowance, it does not impact the disability benefit or State Pension of the person you care for. However, if the individual you care for receives means-tested benefits, your Carer’s Allowance claim may affect their benefit amount.
The severe disability premium (or severe disability addition in Pension Credit) amounting to £81.50 per week is included in the means-tested benefits of the person you care for if they meet the following criteria:
- They receive a qualifying disability benefit such as:
- the middle or higher rate of the care component of DLA
- the daily living component of PIP (at either rate)
- Attendance Allowance (at either rate) or Constant Attendance Allowance
- Armed Forces Independence Payment.
- They live alone, with exceptions for cases where they reside with others who also receive a qualifying disability benefit.
- No one is receiving Carer’s Allowance or the carer element of Universal Credit for looking after them.
- If you have the ‘underlying entitlement’ to Carer’s Allowance without receiving Carer’s Allowance, the person you care for will not lose their severe disability premium.
- However, if you receive Universal Credit and the carer element within it, the individual you care for will lose their severe disability premium.
Carers Allowance Eligibilty Conditions - Further Information
You look after someone who gets a qualifying disability benefit.
- Attendance Allowance
- Constant Attendance Allowance
- the middle or highest rate of the care component of Disability Living Allowance
- the standard or enhanced rate of the daily living component of Personal Independence Payment
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- the standard or enhanced rate of the daily living component of Adult Disability Payment
- the middle or highest rate of the care component of Child Disability Payment
You look after that person for at least 35 hours a week.
- The 35 hours can include:
- Time spent physically helping the person.
- Time you spend ‘keeping an eye’ on the person, eg preventing them coming to harm by walking out of the house.
- Time spent doing practical tasks for the person, eg cooking.
- Time taken doing practical tasks, even if you don’t do them in the presence of the person, may also count (such as preparing or cleaning up for someone who visits you regularly for care).
- You cannot add together the time you spend caring for different people to make up the 35 hours. If you care for more than one person, you must choose which person you claim for, as you can only receive one payment of Carer’s Allowance.
- Similarly, if you share the caring role with another person, and you both provide at least 35 hours of care every week, only one of you can claim Carer’s Allowance. You need to decide between you who should make the claim. The other person should seek advice about the benefits they can claim, and may be able to claim Carer’s Credit for the time they are caring
- If the person you are looking after is also caring for someone else, you can both claim Carer’s Allowance for looking after different people as long as you both meet the criteria. This also applies if you are caring for each other.
- The 35 hours can include:
You look after that person for at least 35 hours a week.
- The 35 hours can include:
- Time spent physically helping the person.
- Time you spend ‘keeping an eye’ on the person, eg watching over them so they don’t come to harm by walking out of the house.
- Time spent doing practical tasks for the person you care for, eg cooking, cleaning, etc.
- Time spent doing practical tasks, even if you don’t do them in the presence of the person you care for, may also count towards your 35 hours a week, eg travelling to the pharmacist to pick up their medication.
- Combining care hours for different individuals to meet the 35-hour threshold is not allowed. You must select one person to claim for, as only one Carer’s Allowance payment is permissible.
- If you share caregiving duties with another individual and both provide a minimum of 35 hours of care weekly, only one of you can claim Carer’s Allowance. It is necessary to mutually decide who will apply for the allowance. The other individual should seek guidance on available benefits and may qualify for Carer’s Credit based on their caregiving time.
- If the person you care for is also a caregiver for someone else, both of you can claim Carer’s Allowance for different care responsibilities if you both meet the eligibility criteria. This policy also extends to reciprocal caregiving situations.
You are aged 16 or over.
- You can make an advance claim up to three months before your 16th birthday. The benefit will only be paid from the day you become 16 years old.
You are aged 16 or over.
- You can make an advance claim up to three months before your 16th birthday. The benefit will only be paid from the day you become 16 years old.
You are not in full-time education.
- Your university, school or college describe the course as full-time (however some courses classed as ‘full-time’ may in fact not be considered to be ‘full-time’ if the supervised study is for less than 21 hours a week).
- You are required to do 21 hours a week or more of study (even if your university, school or college does not describe your course as fulltime).
- If you are in full-time education, you won’t be able to get Carer’s Allowance during ‘temporary absences’ from your course, including holiday periods.
- If you have simply stopped attending your course (but not abandoned or been dismissed from it), this is likely to be considered a temporary absence.
- If you’re not attending because of an agreement between you and your university, school or college, the decision maker has to decide whether this agreed break is sufficient enough to mean you are no longer actively pursuing your course of study (in which case it would not be a ‘temporary absence’ and so this would not prevent you from being entitled to Carer’s Allowance).
- For example, they would look at: whether you can still access funding for your studies – whether you can still access learning materials.
You are not in full-time education.
- If your university, school, or college defines your course as full-time, it may not meet the true definition of ‘full-time’ if supervised study is under 21 hours weekly.
- You must engage in 21 hours or more of study weekly, even if your educational institution does not label your course as full-time.
- Carer’s Allowance is not available during ‘temporary absences’ from your full-time education, which includes holiday breaks.
- Ceasing attendance at your course (without abandonment or dismissal) is typically considered a temporary absence.
- If your absence is due to an agreement with your educational institution, the evaluator must determine if this agreed break implies you are no longer actively pursuing your studies. If so, it may not be classified as a ‘temporary absence,’ allowing you to remain eligible for Carer’s Allowance.
- Factors considered include your continued access to study funding and learning materials.
You don’t earn over £196 a week (after deductions).
- If you are in paid work (including self-employment), you cannot get Carer’s Allowance if you earn more than £196a week (after deductions)
- If you are in employment and are paid the same amount each month, your monthly earnings are normally multiplied by 12 months to get a yearly figure and then divided by 52 weeks to get a weekly figure.
- If you are in employment and have fluctuating earnings, it is possible for your earnings to be averaged out over a recognisable cycle of work or over five weeks, or over another period if this means a more accurate weekly amount can be calculated. However, this is discretionary and so you should make sure you discuss your specific circumstances with the Carer’s Allowance Unit for further guidance and clarity on how your particular earnings will be calculated.
- If you are in self-employment, your average weekly earnings are normally calculated by looking at a specific trading period, which is normally a year. However if you have only recently started your self-employment, or if there has been a change in your circumstances that could affect your regular pattern of business, a different period that’s more representative of your average weekly earnings can sometimes be used.
- The following amounts are deducted from your gross weekly earnings (if you are in employment) or your net profit (if you are in self-employment) before your earnings are taken into account for Carer’s Allowance:
- Income Tax
- National Insurance
- half of your contributions towards an occupational/personal pension.
- Expenses incurred ‘wholly and exclusively for the purposes of the business’ can be deducted for Carer’s Allowance, similar to income tax deductions. Consult the Carer’s Allowance Unit for clarification.
- Payments made for someone to care for the person you care for or a child under 16 (receiving Child Benefit) can be deducted from your earnings, capped at half your earnings (after previous deductions). This exclusion does not apply if the caregiver is a close relative.
- Earnings below £155 a week (after tax and National Insurance) qualify for Carer’s Allowance. Deductions like pension contributions can lower your earnings for eligibility. Carer’s Allowance can be received alongside occupational or personal pensions.
- Inform the tax office about Carer’s Allowance if you receive taxable income like pensions or part-time earnings, as it is a taxable benefit.
- Working during an allowed break in care while receiving Carer’s Allowance exempts your earnings from consideration.
- A break up to four weeks every 26 weeks is permissible while still receiving Carer’s Allowance, given certain care provision criteria are met.
- Carer’s Allowance can continue for up to 12 weeks in any 26-week period if you or the person you care for goes into the hospital, meeting specific caregiving and benefit reception requirements.
- If your breaks exceed 12 weeks in the past 26 weeks, Carer’s Allowance ceases.
You don’t earn over £196 a week (after deductions).
- If you are employed (including self-employment), receiving Carer’s Allowance is not possible if your earnings exceed £196 per week after deductions.
- For individuals with consistent monthly pay, the monthly earnings are typically annualised, divided by 52 weeks to calculate a weekly figure.
- In cases of fluctuating income, earnings can be averaged over a recognisable work cycle, five weeks, or another appropriate period for accurate weekly calculation. Consult the Carer’s Allowance Unit for personalised guidance on income calculation.
- Self-employment earnings are usually assessed based on a specific trading period, often a year. However, recent self-employment or changes affecting business patterns may prompt the use of a representative period for average weekly earnings calculation.
- Before Carer’s Allowance considers your earnings, deductions like Income Tax, National Insurance, and half of your pension contributions are subtracted from your gross weekly earnings (for employees) or net profit (for self-employed individuals).
- Expenses incurred ‘wholly and exclusively for the purposes of the business’ can be deducted for Carer’s Allowance, similar to income tax deductions. Consult the Carer’s Allowance Unit for clarification.
- Payments made for someone to care for the person you care for or a child under 16 (receiving Child Benefit) can be deducted from your earnings, capped at half your earnings (after previous deductions). This exclusion does not apply if the caregiver is a close relative.
- Earnings below £155 a week (after tax and National Insurance) qualify for Carer’s Allowance. Deductions like pension contributions can lower your earnings for eligibility. Carer’s Allowance can be received alongside occupational or personal pensions.
- Inform the tax office about Carer’s Allowance if you receive taxable income like pensions or part-time earnings, as it is a taxable benefit.
- Working during an allowed break in care while receiving Carer’s Allowance exempts your earnings from consideration.
- A break up to four weeks every 26 weeks is permissible while still receiving Carer’s Allowance, given certain care provision criteria are met.
- Carer’s Allowance can continue for up to 12 weeks in any 26-week period if you or the person you care for goes into the hospital, meeting specific caregiving and benefit reception requirements.
- If your breaks exceed 12 weeks in the past 26 weeks, Carer’s Allowance ceases.
You satisfy UK residence and presence conditions.
- To qualify for Carer’s Allowance based on residence and presence, you must adhere to the following criteria:
- Be physically present in Great Britain for 104 out of the 156 weeks preceding your claim.
- Maintain habitual residence in the Common Travel Area (including the UK, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or the Republic of Ireland).
- The term ‘present’ denotes physical presence in Great Britain. Certain individuals, like armed forces members, can be considered in Great Britain while abroad.
- Exceptions apply to refugees and their families regarding the past presence test. Other exceptions exist for individuals with EU residency or agreements with Britain, albeit with nuanced rules. Seek guidance from local Citizens Advice or the AIRE Centre for specialised assistance.
- The habitual residence test determines if you primarily reside in the UK, the Channel Islands, the Republic of Ireland, or the Isle of Man, particularly if you have been residing abroad.
- ‘Habitual residence’ lacks a precise legal definition but considers factors like your current living situation, future living expectations, reasons for relocating, duration spent abroad prior to arrival, and any remaining ties to your home country.
- Carer’s Allowance eligibility is unlikely with immigration restrictions barring access to public funds, including most welfare benefits, housing, and homelessness services in the UK.
- If this is the case then before applying for Carer’s Allowance, seek advice since it may impact your future residency rights. Explore free immigration advice options from local Law Centres or search for legal aid immigration assistance.
- Find out more at http://www.lawcentres.org.uk
- Local legal aid immigration advice at find-legal-advice.justice.gov.uk
- If this is the case then before applying for Carer’s Allowance, seek advice since it may impact your future residency rights. Explore free immigration advice options from local Law Centres or search for legal aid immigration assistance.
You satisfy UK residence and presence conditions.
- To qualify for Carer’s Allowance based on residence and presence, you must adhere to the following criteria:
- Be physically present in Great Britain for 104 out of the 156 weeks preceding your claim.
- Maintain habitual residence in the Common Travel Area (including the UK, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or the Republic of Ireland).
- The term ‘present’ denotes physical presence in Great Britain. Certain individuals, like armed forces members, can be considered in Great Britain while abroad.
- Exceptions apply to refugees and their families regarding the past presence test. Other exceptions exist for individuals with EU residency or agreements with Britain, albeit with nuanced rules. Seek guidance from local Citizens Advice or the AIRE Centre for specialised assistance.
- The habitual residence test determines if you primarily reside in the UK, the Channel Islands, the Republic of Ireland, or the Isle of Man, particularly if you have been residing abroad.
- ‘Habitual residence’ lacks a precise legal definition but considers factors like your current living situation, future living expectations, reasons for relocating, duration spent abroad prior to arrival, and any remaining ties to your home country.
- Carer’s Allowance eligibility is unlikely with immigration restrictions barring access to public funds, including most welfare benefits, housing, and homelessness services in the UK.
- If this is the case then before applying for Carer’s Allowance, seek advice since it may impact your future residency rights. Explore free immigration advice options from local Law Centres or search for legal aid immigration assistance.
- Find out more at http://www.lawcentres.org.uk
- Local legal aid immigration advice at find-legal-advice.justice.gov.uk
- If this is the case then before applying for Carer’s Allowance, seek advice since it may impact your future residency rights. Explore free immigration advice options from local Law Centres or search for legal aid immigration assistance.
Further help
A charity dedicated to helping everyone make the most of later life.
http://www.ageuk.org.uk
0800 678 1602
0800 731 0122 (textphone: 0800 731 0317)
0800 731 0297 (textphone: 0800 731 0317)
Provides free, independent, confidential and impartial advice.
0800 731 0122 (textphone: 0800 731 0317)
If you were born after 8 April 1948:
0800 121 4600 (textphone: 0800 121 4523)
To search for a court or tribunal
A free complaints review service for people who have made complaints about their claim for benefits.
http://www.ind-case-exam.org.uk
0800 414 8529 (textphone: 18001 0800414 8529)
The government official responsible for dealing with complaints about state services.
0345 015 4033 (textphone: 0300 061 4298)
For Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support and Employment and Support Allowance
Existing claims 0800 169 0310 (textphone: 0800 169 0314)
Pension Credit claim line:
0800 99 1234 (textphone: 0800 169 0133)
State Pension claim line:
0800 731 7898 (textphone: 0800 731 7339)
0800 917 2222 (textphone: 0800 917 7777)
Enquiry line
0800 121 4433 (textphone: 0800 121 4493)
0345 300 3900 (textphone: 18001 then 0345 300 3900)
0800 328 5644 (textphone: 0800 328 1344)
All information is correct as of April 2024
Updated October 2024:
Weekly earnings rate increased from £151 to £196 following the Government’s October 2024 budget.