Many carers are missing out on extra money they may be entitled to whether that's Carer's Allowance or an extra amount included as part of top-up benefits.
Carer's Allowance
If you look after a disabled or older person for 35 or more hours a week, you can claim Carer's Allowance.
This can include time watching over them, as well as providing active help.
You may get £76.75 a week to help you look after someone with care needs.
You may be able to get extra money, as well as or instead of Carer's Allowance. This is added to top up benefits like Income Support, Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction.
For more information visit Carer's Allowance on the GOV.UK website.
How you qualify
You may be entitled to benefit as a carer if you:
- are aged over 16
- provide care for 35 or more hours a week
- are not a full time student
- if you work, you do not earn more than £139 per week
The person you're caring for must get one of these benefits:
- Personal Independence Payment daily living component
- Disability Living Allowance (the middle or highest rate care component)
- Attendance Allowance
- Constant Attendance Allowance at or above the normal maximum rate with an Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit, or basic (full day) rate with a War Disablement Pension
- Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)
Carer's Allowance and other benefits
Carer's Allowance is treated as income for means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit, Housing Benefit or Income Support. However you may be entitled to an increase called a carer's premium or carer's element (for Universal Credit).
Check before you claim
Claiming carers' benefits can be complicated and may affect the benefits received by the person you look after. Get advice before claiming by using our online benefit form.