Benefits for Carers UK — What You Could Be Entitled To (2025)

Carer's Allowance: the main benefit for carers

Carer's Allowance is the main benefit for people who care for someone at least 35 hours per week. It is currently paid at up to £81.90 per week (approximately £4,260 per year). The person you care for must receive a qualifying disability benefit — this includes PIP daily living component (either rate), Attendance Allowance (either rate), or DLA middle or higher rate care component. You can earn up to £151 per week after deductions and still qualify. Deductions include tax, National Insurance, pension contributions, and some childcare costs. This earnings limit means many part-time workers can receive Carer's Allowance alongside their wages. Self-employed carers are assessed on profits rather than turnover. The person you care for does not need to be a family member — you can care for a friend, neighbour, or anyone else. They do not need to live with you. The key requirement is that you regularly spend at least 35 hours per week providing care. There is no formal assessment of your caring activities; the DWP relies on the information you provide in your claim.

The State Pension overlap rule

One of the most important and commonly misunderstood aspects of Carer's Allowance is the "overlapping benefits" rule. If you receive a State Pension that is equal to or more than the Carer's Allowance rate, you cannot receive both — the State Pension takes priority. This affects many carers over State Pension age. However, having an "underlying entitlement" to Carer's Allowance — meaning you meet all the eligibility criteria even though you cannot be paid — can still unlock significant extra amounts in other benefits. For example, underlying entitlement can add a carer's premium of up to £45.60 per week to Pension Credit. It can also affect the disability premiums received by the person you care for. This means that even if you are receiving a full State Pension, applying for Carer's Allowance can still be financially worthwhile. The carer's premium on Pension Credit alone is worth over £2,370 per year — and Pension Credit itself can unlock further benefits such as full Council Tax Reduction, Warm Home Discount, and free NHS dental treatment.

Additional support for carers

Beyond Carer's Allowance itself, carers may be eligible for a range of additional financial and practical support. Financial support includes: a carer's premium added to Pension Credit or Income Support (up to £45.60/week), a carer element added to Universal Credit (up to £198.31/month), and National Insurance credits to protect your State Pension entitlement for periods when you are unable to work due to caring. Practical support is available through your local council. You have a legal right to request a carer's assessment, which can identify: respite care (giving you regular breaks), equipment and adaptations for the person you care for, support groups and social activities for carers, emergency planning (what happens if you become ill), and information about direct payments to arrange your own support. If the person you care for receives Attendance Allowance or PIP, this can also unlock additional benefits for your whole household — including Council Tax discounts (if the person has a severe mental impairment), and disability reductions on Council Tax. The financial value of being a recognised carer extends well beyond Carer's Allowance.

Looking after your own wellbeing

Caring can be physically and emotionally demanding. Research suggests that carers are twice as likely to experience poor health as non-carers. It is important to look after your own wellbeing alongside caring for someone else. Your local council has a legal duty to carry out a carer's assessment if you request one. This assessment looks at your needs as a carer and can identify support services available to you — such as respite care, equipment, training, emotional support, or home adaptations. Contact your local council's adult social services team to request one. You can have a carer's assessment even if the person you care for does not receive any social care services. Several charities provide free information, advice, and support for carers. Carers UK (0808 808 7777) offers a helpline and online resources. Carers Trust provides local support through a network of carer centres. The Carer's Allowance Unit can be contacted on 0800 731 0297 for benefit-specific queries. Many areas also have local carer support groups where you can connect with others in similar situations.

Related Benefit Pages

Carer's Allowance

For people who care for someone with a disability 35+ hours per week.

Pension Credit

Tops up weekly income for people over State Pension age.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

For working-age adults whose health affects daily living or mobility.

Attendance Allowance

For people over State Pension age who need help with personal care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work and still claim Carer's Allowance?

Yes, as long as you earn no more than £151 per week after deductions (such as tax, National Insurance, pension contributions, and some childcare costs). The 35 hours per week caring requirement still applies alongside your work. Many part-time workers successfully claim Carer's Allowance.

Does the person I care for know I have claimed?

The DWP may contact the person you care for to confirm they receive a qualifying disability benefit. They are informed that you have made a claim. It is generally a good idea to discuss your claim with them beforehand, though there is no legal requirement to do so.

Can two people claim Carer's Allowance for the same person?

Only one person can receive Carer's Allowance for each person being cared for. However, if two or more people share the caring, the one who provides at least 35 hours per week of care can claim. If both provide 35+ hours, they can choose which one claims.

What happens to my Carer's Allowance if the person I care for goes into hospital?

Carer's Allowance can continue for up to 12 weeks if the person you care for is in hospital, as long as you are still providing some care (such as visiting regularly, managing their affairs, or preparing for their return home). After 12 weeks, the Carer's Allowance may stop.

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Important: Benefits Robin is not affiliated with the DWP or UK Government. We provide information and assistance, not legal or financial advice. These are estimates based on your answers. Final decisions are made by the DWP.