Carer's allowance
Carer’s allowance is the main benefit for carers. If someone qualifies for the allowance, they are paid a fixed amount per week.
Not every carer can get Carer’s Allowance. A carer may be eligible if they meet all of the following conditions:
- Look after someone who gets a qualifying disability benefit
- Look after that person for at least 35 hours a week
- Are aged 16 or over
- Are not in full-time education
- Don’t earn over £128 a week (after deductions) n Satisfy UK residence and presence conditions
More information is available from Carers UK.
How does it work?
To claim for Carer’s Allowance, a carer can:
- Visit the government website to apply online or download a claim form; or
- 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).
The person claiming will receive a written decision on their claim that tells them whether they have been awarded Carer’s Allowance and from what date. If a decision is made not to award Carer’s Allowance, you can ask the Department for Work and Pensions for a review and if this is unsuccessful, you can lodge an appeal with the Tribunal Service.
Who is involved?
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) decide whether someone can claim Carer’s Allowance and distribute the money people receive.
When will this happen?
As you move into adulthood, your family may continue to provide care for you. The level of care they provide may increase if you leave full time education. If this is the case and they look after you for more than 35 hours a week, they can claim Carer’s Allowance to support them financially. A young person may provide care for a family member. Once they turn 16, they may be entitled to claim Carer’s Allowance.
Carer’s Allowance can generally be backdated for up to three months before the date you submit your claim. Carer’s Allowance can also be claimed up to three months in advance, so long as it can be proved the conditions will be met.
The role of parents and carers
Parents are responsible for claiming Carer’s Allowance if they are a carer for their young person. They will need to apply for the allowance.