Carers Allowance

Carer's Allowance is a benefit for someone who cares for a person who is ill or disabled.  You do not have to be related to, or live with, the person that you care for.

You must be aged 16 or over and spend 35 hours a week or more caring for someone who gets:

• Attendance Allowance, or
• Disability Living Allowance at the middle or highest rate for care.

How much

Carer's Allowance is paid at a weekly rate of £58.45.  If you receive certain other benefits (like State Pension) and it is more than the amount of the Carer's Allowance, you will still qualify for the benefit, but you will not get any extra money for it.

How to make a claim

You need to fill in a form.  You can do this by telephone, or online or you can get a form sent out to you.

Effect on other benefits

If you get certain other benefits like state pension, you cannot get Carer's Allowance as well.  Sometimes, though, you should still claim it because doing so can increase your income support, pension credit or housing benefit.