If you’re helping to care for a parent, relative, friend, or neighbour for 35 hours a week or more, you might be eligible for Carer’s Allowance — a UK government benefit worth up to £327 per month.
This financial support is meant for people who provide care for someone who gets certain disability-related benefits. Even simple daily tasks like helping with cooking, cleaning, shopping, or taking someone to the doctor count as care.
How Much Is Carer’s Allowance?
Carer’s Allowance pays £81.90 per week, which equals about £327 each month. You can choose to get paid weekly or every four weeks.
Even if you’re not working, this benefit can open the door to extra support, including National Insurance credits and discounts on other payments.
Who Can Claim Carer’s Allowance?
You can apply for Carer’s Allowance if you meet all the following conditions:
- You’re 16 or older
- You spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone
- You earn £151 or less a week after tax, National Insurance, and certain expenses
- You’re not in full-time education (over 21 hours a week)
- You live in England, Scotland, or Wales (exceptions apply if abroad or armed forces)
- You’ve lived in the UK for 2 of the last 3 years
- You’re not affected by immigration control
Only one person can claim Carer’s Allowance for caring for someone, even if multiple people help out. And you won’t get more money for caring for more than one person.
The Person You Care For Must Get One of These Benefits
The person you’re caring for must receive at least one of the following:
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – Daily Living Component
- Attendance Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance (Middle or Highest Care Rate)
- Adult Disability Payment (Scotland) – Daily Living Component
- Child Disability Payment (Scotland) – Middle or Highest Care Rate
- Constant Attendance Allowance
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Pension Age Disability Payment
What Perks Come with Carer’s Allowance?
If you’re approved for Carer’s Allowance, you might also qualify for:
National Insurance Credits
These can help fill gaps in your record, which might improve your State Pension in the future.
Universal Credit
You may receive more Universal Credit if you’re on a low income or not working.
Pension Credit
If you’re over State Pension age, you may get a top-up to your income through Pension Credit.
Council Tax Discounts
Some local councils offer discounts on your council tax if you receive Carer’s Allowance. You’ll need to check directly with your local council as rules vary.
How to Apply for Carer’s Allowance
You can apply online at the official UK government website. Make sure you have the following information ready:
- Your National Insurance number
- Your bank account details
- Details of the person you’re caring for (their date of birth, address, and NI number if they’re over 16)
- Claims can be backdated by up to 3 months, so don’t delay your application if you’ve already been providing care.
Caring for someone is a big responsibility, and Carer’s Allowance ensures that your efforts don’t go unnoticed. If you’re providing regular support to someone with a disability or health condition, check your eligibility today. Even better, this benefit may help unlock extra financial support, giving you more peace of mind.
FAQ’s
How much is Carer’s Allowance per week in 2025?
It is currently £81.90 per week, which equals about £327 per month.
What tasks count as care for Carer’s Allowance?
Helping with cooking, shopping, cleaning, medication, personal care, and going to appointments all count.
Who can apply for Carer’s Allowance?
You must be 16+, not in full-time education, and provide at least 35 hours of care per week. You must also earn £151 or less per week.
What extra benefits can I get with Carer’s Allowance?
You may qualify for Universal Credit, Pension Credit, National Insurance credits, and council tax discounts.
How do I apply for Carer’s Allowance?
You can apply online on the UK government website. Have your NI number, bank details, and the care recipient’s information ready.
