Carer's Allowance: Eligibility and How to Claim
This article provides a comprehensive guide to Carer's Allowance in the UK, detailing eligibility criteria for both the carer and the person being cared for. It explains the application process, the potential impact on other benefits, and signposts to essential support services for carers. Our aim is to empower families with practical, actionable guidance.
Important
Carer's Allowance: Eligibility and How to Claim
Caring for a loved one is a profoundly valuable and often challenging role. Many individuals in the UK dedicate countless hours to looking after family members or friends who need support due to illness, disability, or old age. To recognise this vital contribution and provide some financial assistance, the government offers Carer's Allowance. This benefit is designed to help carers who spend a significant amount of time providing care, enabling them to continue their essential work.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Carer's Allowance, including who is eligible, how to apply, and what other considerations you should be aware of. Our aim is to provide clear, practical information to help you navigate the process with confidence and ensure you receive the support you deserve.
What is Carer's Allowance?
Carer's Allowance is a taxable benefit paid by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to people who spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone with a disability. It's not means-tested, meaning your personal income and savings won't affect your eligibility, although there are earnings limits if you work. The person you care for must also be receiving certain disability benefits.
It's important to understand that Carer's Allowance is paid to the carer, not the person being cared for. While it provides financial support, it can also have implications for other benefits you or the person you care for might be receiving, which we will explore in more detail.
Who is Eligible for Carer's Allowance?
Determining eligibility for Carer's Allowance involves several key criteria relating to both the carer and the person they care for. Let's break these down:
Eligibility for the Carer
- Age: You must be 16 or over.
- Residency: You must live in England, Scotland, or Wales, or meet specific rules for living abroad (e.g., if you are a member of the armed forces). There are separate rules for Northern Ireland.
- Caring Hours: You must spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone. This care does not have to be provided in one continuous block and can be spread throughout the week. It includes tasks like helping with personal care, managing medication, cooking, cleaning, shopping, providing companionship, and managing finances.
- Earnings Limit: If you work, you must not earn more than a certain amount after tax, National Insurance, and certain allowable expenses (such as contributions to a pension scheme, childcare costs, or expenses related to your disability). This figure is updated annually, so always check the latest amount on the Gov.uk website. If you earn more than this, you will not be eligible for Carer's Allowance.
- Education: You can still claim Carer's Allowance if you are in full-time education, as long as you meet the other eligibility criteria.
Eligibility for the Person Being Cared For
The person you care for must be receiving one of the following disability benefits:
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – daily living component at either the standard or enhanced rate.
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA) – the middle or highest rate care component.
- Attendance Allowance (AA) – at either the lower or higher rate.
- Constant Attendance Allowance – at the full or part rate with an Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit, or at the full rate with a War Disablement Pension.
- Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP).
How to Claim Carer's Allowance
Claiming Carer's Allowance can seem daunting, but by following the steps below, you can make the process smoother.
Step 1: Gather Your Information
Before you start your application, have the following details ready:
- Your National Insurance number.
- Bank or building society details.
- Details of your earnings if you work (e.g., payslips, self-employment accounts).
- Your employment details (employer's name and address).
- Your course details if you're in full-time education.
- The National Insurance number of the person you care for.
- The date the person you care for started receiving their disability benefit.
Step 2: Choose Your Application Method
You can apply for Carer's Allowance in a few ways:
- Online: This is often the quickest and easiest way. You can apply via the Gov.uk website. You'll need to set up a Government Gateway account if you don't already have one.
- By Post: You can download a claim form (DS700 for Carer's Allowance) from the Gov.uk website, print it, fill it in, and send it by post. Alternatively, you can request a form to be sent to you.
- By Phone: In some circumstances, you might be able to apply over the phone, or get help with your application. Contact the Carer's Allowance Unit for advice.
Step 3: Completing the Application Form
The application form will ask for detailed information about your caring responsibilities, your personal circumstances, and the person you care for. Be as accurate and thorough as possible. If you're unsure about any question, don't guess – seek advice.
You will need to declare that you spend at least 35 hours a week caring. You don't need to provide a timetable, but you should be able to explain how you spend your time caring if asked.
Step 4: What Happens After You Apply?
- Confirmation: You should receive confirmation that your application has been received.
- Processing Time: It can take several weeks for Carer's Allowance claims to be processed. The DWP will contact you if they need more information.
- Decision Letter: You will receive a letter informing you of the decision. If your claim is successful, it will include details of when your payments will start and how much you will receive.
- Appeals: If your claim is refused and you believe the decision is incorrect, you have the right to ask for a 'Mandatory Reconsideration' and then, if still unhappy, appeal to an independent tribunal. Organisations like Citizens Advice can help with this process.
Impact on Other Benefits
Claiming Carer's Allowance can affect other benefits for both the carer and the person being cared for. It's crucial to understand these interactions.
For the Carer
- Income-related benefits: If you receive income-related benefits (e.g., Universal Credit, Income Support, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction), Carer's Allowance will be counted as income. However, in most cases, claiming Carer's Allowance will lead to a 'Carer Element' being added to your Universal Credit, or a 'Carer Premium' or 'Carer Addition' being added to other legacy benefits. This often means your overall benefit income increases, or at least stays the same, as the premium or element is usually higher than the Carer's Allowance itself. Always get a benefit check to see how your overall income will be affected.
- National Insurance Credits: Receiving Carer's Allowance automatically gives you National Insurance credits, which count towards your State Pension. This is a significant benefit, especially if you are not working or are on a low income.
- Earnings Limit: As mentioned, if you work, there's an earnings limit for Carer's Allowance. If your earnings exceed this, you won't be eligible.
For the Person Being Cared For
If you claim Carer's Allowance, the person you care for will no longer receive the severe disability premium (SDP) in their own benefits (e.g., Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, Income Support, Employment and Support Allowance). This is because the SDP is paid to people who live alone and receive a disability benefit, and part of its purpose is to recognise that they don't have a carer receiving a Carer's Allowance. Losing the SDP can sometimes mean the person you care for is worse off, even if you gain Carer's Allowance.
What if You Don't Qualify for Carer's Allowance?
Even if you don't meet the eligibility criteria for Carer's Allowance (perhaps due to earning too much or the person you care for not receiving a qualifying benefit), you might still be entitled to other forms of support:
- Carer Element in Universal Credit: If you are claiming Universal Credit and spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone receiving a qualifying disability benefit, you may be able to get the 'Carer Element' added to your Universal Credit award, even if you don't receive Carer's Allowance itself. This can significantly increase your Universal Credit payment.
- Carer's Credit: This is a National Insurance credit that helps carers build up qualifying years for their State Pension. You could be eligible if you're caring for someone for at least 20 hours a week and aren't getting Carer's Allowance (or aren't getting National Insurance credits through other benefits).
- Local Council Support: Your local council might offer grants, direct payments, or other services to support carers. Contact your local authority's social services department for a carer's assessment.
- Charitable Grants: Many charities offer grants or financial assistance to carers. Organisations like Turn2us have a grant search tool.
- Discounts and Concessions: Many organisations and attractions offer discounts or free entry for carers accompanying the person they look after.
Your Rights as a Carer: The Carer's Assessment
As a carer, you have a legal right to a Carer's Assessment from your local council's social services department. This assessment looks at how caring affects your life and what support you might need to continue in your role, or to have a life outside of caring.
The assessment will consider your physical and mental health, your ability to work, education, leisure, and social activities. It can lead to a support plan that might include practical help, emotional support, or even direct payments to fund services that benefit you as a carer.
Applying for Carer's Allowance is an important step for many unpaid carers in the UK. While the process requires attention to detail, the financial and National Insurance credit benefits can be significant. Remember to always seek advice on how it might affect your overall benefit situation and to explore all available avenues of support. Your wellbeing as a carer is paramount.
Need Help and Further Information?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I claim Carer's Allowance if I work part-time?
Yes, you can claim Carer's Allowance if you work part-time, as long as your earnings after allowable deductions (like tax, National Insurance, and certain expenses) do not exceed the weekly earnings limit set by the DWP. You must also meet all other eligibility criteria, including caring for at least 35 hours a week.
Does Carer's Allowance affect the benefits of the person I care for?
Yes, claiming Carer's Allowance for someone can affect their benefits. Specifically, they will usually lose the 'Severe Disability Premium' from any of their income-related benefits (like Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or Employment and Support Allowance). It's crucial to get a full benefit check for both you and the person you care for from an independent advisor before applying to understand the overall financial impact.
What counts as '35 hours of care' for Carer's Allowance?
The 35 hours of care per week doesn't have to be continuous. It includes a wide range of activities such as helping with personal care, managing medication, cooking, cleaning, shopping, providing companionship, managing finances, and taking the person to appointments. The DWP does not usually ask for a detailed log, but you should be able to explain how you spend your time caring if asked.
What is Carer's Credit and how is it different from Carer's Allowance?
Carer's Credit is a National Insurance credit that helps carers build up qualifying years for their State Pension. You can get it if you're caring for someone for at least 20 hours a week and are not receiving Carer's Allowance (or not getting National Insurance credits through other benefits). Unlike Carer's Allowance, it is not a direct cash payment but helps protect your future State Pension entitlement.
What should I do if my Carer's Allowance claim is refused?
If your Carer's Allowance claim is refused and you believe the decision is incorrect, you have the right to ask for a 'Mandatory Reconsideration' from the DWP. This means they will review their decision. If you are still unhappy after the mandatory reconsideration, you can then appeal to an independent tribunal. Organisations like Citizens Advice or Carers UK can provide guidance and support throughout the appeals process.
Need More Help?
Support Organisations
- Age UK:0800 678 1602
- Carers UK:0808 808 7777
- Alzheimer's Society:0333 150 3456
- Parkinson's UK:0808 800 0303