Cornwall Carers Service

Carer’s Allowance

Carer’s Allowance is a payment for people who spend at least 35 hours a week providing regular care for someone with a disability.

You might not think of yourself as a “carer” but if you regularly help a loved one, friend, or neighbour who couldn’t manage daily life without your support, you could be eligible. Carer’s Allowance recognises the vital role you play.

To qualify, the person you care for must receive a disability-related benefit, and in some cases, this benefit must meet a specific payment threshold.

Carer’s Allowance is currently paid at £83.30 per week, with rates usually reviewed and increased each April. You don’t need to be related to or live with the person you care for to claim.

👉 [Find out how to apply for Carer’s Allowance]

Eligibility Overview

You can qualify for Carer’s Allowance if you:

  • Provide 35 or more hours of care each week for someone who is ill or disabled (you don’t have to live with them).

  • Care for someone receiving one of these benefits:

    • Disability Living Allowance (middle or higher care rate)

    • Personal Independence Payment (PIP) -daily living component (any rate)

    • Attendance Allowance (any rate)

    • Another qualifying disability-related benefit

  • Earn no more than £196 a week (after tax, National Insurance, and allowable care-related deductions).

  • Are not in Full-Time Education

If you qualify but cannot receive payment due to Overlapping Benefit Rules, you may still receive a Carer’s Premium or Additional Amount added to other benefits such as:

  • Income Support

  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)

  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

  • Pension Credit

  • Housing Benefit

Even if you’re unsure whether you qualify, it’s worth applying, some benefits can only be accessed once you’ve made a claim for Carer’s Allowance.

For full eligibility details, visit GOV.UK’s Carer’s Allowance page.

How much Carer’s Allowance could I get?

Weekly rate: £83.30 (This rate is reviewed each April.)

***You receive the same amount regardless of how many people you care for.***

If you receive State Pension:

  • If your State Pension is less than £83.30 per week, Carer’s Allowance can top it up to that amount.

  • If your State Pension is more than £83.30 per week, you cannot be paid Carer’s Allowance (due to overlapping benefit rules).

However, a successful claim still gives you an underlying entitlement, meaning you can receive:

  • Extra support through means-tested benefits (such as Pension Credit or Housing Benefit).

  • National Insurance credits (if you’re under State Pension age), which help protect your future pension entitlement.

If you claim Universal Credit:

  • You may qualify for a Carer Element — an extra payment included within your Universal Credit.

How to claim Carer’s Allowance

You can apply online or by post through the official GOV.UK website:
Apply for Carer’s Allowance on GOV.UK

When you apply, you’ll need:

  • Your National Insurance number.

  • Details of your income and any employment.

  • Information about the person you care for (including their date of birth and disability benefit details).

If you need help applying, contact the Advice Line on: 01736 756655 our team can guide you through the process and help you check your eligibility.

More Carer's Allowance Questions

  • Required Documentation for Your Claim

    • If employed: Submit your most recent payslip before your claim start date, plus any payslips received after that period.

    • If self-employed: Provide your business’s latest finalized accounts.

    Don’t delay applying if you lack these documents—submit your claim and provide evidence later.

  • Your claim begins on the date your application is received (either online or by the benefits office).

    Backdating: You can request payments for up to 3 months prior to your application date if you were eligible earlier. No explanation for the delay is required—mention this when applying.

    Advance Claims:

    • Apply up to 3 months before meeting eligibility criteria, useful if you:

      • Currently earn over £196 weekly but plan to reduce hours/stop working.

      • Anticipate meeting the 35-hour care requirement in the near future.

  • You must inform the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) of any changes that could affect your eligibility or payment amount.

    How to report changes:

    • Online:

    • By phone:

      • Telephone: 0800 731 0297

        • Textphone: 0800 731 0317

        • Relay UK (for hearing/speech impairments): 18001 then 0800 731 0297

    Act promptly to avoid overpayments or penalties. Updates include changes to employment, income, care hours, or the cared-for person’s benefit status.

  • Carer's Allowance is usually paid on a Monday, either weekly in advance or once every 4 weeks in arrears.

  • Impact of Care Recipient’s Circumstances on Carer’s Allowance

    Hospital Stays (NHS-arranged):

    • If the person you care for is admitted to an NHS hospital, their qualifying benefit (e.g., PIP, DLA) stops after 4 weeks (or 12 weeks for disabled children under 16).

    • Your Carer’s Allowance will cease at the same time, as eligibility depends on them receiving this benefit.

    Care Home Admissions:

    • If the person moves into a care home with fees fully covered by NHS continuing healthcare or partially/full paid by the local authority, their benefits and your Carer’s Allowance will end after 28 days.

    Terminal Illness and Non-NHS Hospice Care:

    • If the person is terminally ill and the DWP is aware, their qualifying benefit may continue if they enter a non-NHS hospice.

    • You’ll still receive Carer’s Allowance if you provide 35+ hours of weekly care.

    Respite Care Planning:

    • Regular respite care can be scheduled to avoid disrupting benefits for the person you care for or your Carer’s Allowance. Seek advice to arrange this effectively.

    Key Actions:

    • Notify the DWP immediately of any changes.

    • Consult a benefits adviser or visit GOV.UK for tailored guidance.