Caring for someone with a disability or illness is both emotionally and physically demanding. Recognising this, the UK government offers financial help through Carer’s Allowance, which provides £327 per month to eligible unpaid carers. Whether you’re caring for a parent, child, spouse, or friend, this support can make a real difference in managing daily living expenses.
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through who qualifies for the payment, how much you can get, how to apply, and what changes are expected in 2025. If you’re one of the UK’s 6.5 million carers, this is for you.
What Is Carer’s Allowance?
Carer’s Allowance is a benefit offered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to people who provide unpaid care for someone receiving certain disability benefits. It’s intended to recognise the unpaid work carers do and support them financially.
The current weekly rate of Carer’s Allowance is £81.90, which totals approximately £327.60 per month. However, the amount you actually receive may vary depending on how often DWP makes payments (usually weekly or every four weeks) and whether you’re receiving other benefits.
Who Can Get the £327/Month Carer Support?
To be eligible for Carer’s Allowance, you must meet all the following conditions:
Age and Residency Rules
You must be:
- At least 16 years old
- Living in England, Scotland, or Wales (residents of Northern Ireland must apply through NI Direct)
- Have been in the UK for at least 2 out of the last 3 years, unless you’re a refugee or have humanitarian protection
Care Responsibilities
You must be:
- Caring for someone for at least 35 hours per week
- The person you’re caring for must receive at least one of the following:
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – daily living component
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA) – middle or highest care rate
- Attendance Allowance
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Constant Attendance Allowance
You don’t need to live with the person you care for, but your care must be consistent and significant.
Income Limit
You must:
- Earn £151 or less per week after tax, National Insurance and expenses
If you earn more than this amount, even by a small margin, your claim could be affected. This income cap is reviewed each year and may change in April 2026.
Not in Full-Time Education
You cannot be in full-time education or on a course with more than 21 hours of supervised study per week. Part-time students and online learners may still qualify.
How Much Is the Carer’s Allowance in 2025?
As of August 2025, Carer’s Allowance stands at £81.90 per week, equating to around £327.60 per month. You may also be eligible for Carer Premium, Carer Addition, or Carer Element if you receive other benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or Income Support.
These additions can boost your total support to over £500 per month, depending on your situation.
Can You Work and Still Get Carer’s Allowance?
Yes, but you must:
- Work part-time or freelance/self-employed
- Earn under £151 per week (after deductions)
You’ll need to keep accurate records of your income and expenses, especially if you are self-employed. DWP may request evidence.
Also, your job must not interfere with your minimum 35 hours of care per week.
Can You Get Carer’s Allowance and Universal Credit Together?
Yes. You can receive Carer’s Element through Universal Credit, which can increase your payment by up to £198.31 per month (as of 2025). However, you can only get either the Carer’s Element or Carer’s Allowance, not both at the full amount.
In some cases, the Carer’s Allowance you receive is deducted from your Universal Credit, but receiving it still qualifies you for additional premiums and national insurance credits.
How to Apply for Carer’s Allowance
Applying is free and can be done online, by phone, or by post.
Online Application
The quickest and easiest way is through the official GOV.UK website. You’ll need:
- Your National Insurance number
- The National Insurance number and date of birth of the person you’re caring for
- Details of your income, savings, and expenses
- Your bank or building society account details
The application usually takes 30–45 minutes, and you’ll receive a decision within 6–8 weeks.
By Phone or Post
If you’re unable to apply online, you can call the Carer’s Allowance Unit at 0800 731 0297 or request a paper form. This method takes longer, but it’s useful if you need help or prefer not to go online.
What Happens After You Apply?
Once your application is received:
- DWP will verify your details, including your income and the benefit status of the person you’re caring for
- You may be contacted for additional information
- If approved, your payments will be backdated to the date you submitted your application (or earlier if you requested it)
You’ll receive your payments weekly in advance or every 4 weeks, depending on your preference.
Will It Affect Other Benefits?
Yes. Carer’s Allowance is a taxable benefit and may affect other benefits like:
- Universal Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Pension Credit
However, receiving Carer’s Allowance also gives you access to other entitlements, such as:
- National Insurance credits (towards your State Pension)
- Council Tax reductions
- Help with NHS costs (prescriptions, dental, travel)
Make sure to inform your local council and DWP if your circumstances change.
What If the Person You Care for Goes into Hospital?
If the person you care for is admitted into hospital or care for more than 4 weeks, or stops receiving qualifying disability benefits, your Carer’s Allowance may stop. Always report changes to the DWP to avoid overpayments or penalties.
Appeals and Reapplications
If your claim is rejected, you have the right to:
- Ask for a mandatory reconsideration
- Appeal the decision through a First Tier Tribunal
You can reapply at any time if your circumstances change – for instance, if your income drops or you reduce your working hours.
2025 Update – What’s New?
From April 2025, the following changes have been introduced:
- Earnings limit increased to £151/week
- Faster digital applications rolled out nationwide
- Automatic National Insurance credit updates
- Carers can now access more flexible support services in conjunction with local authorities
These updates aim to reduce admin burden and improve access for those in urgent need.
Final Thoughts
Caring for someone isn’t easy – it takes time, patience, and love. If you’re providing regular care and meeting the eligibility criteria, you should definitely explore Carer’s Allowance and related support. Even though it may not fully replace a salary, the £327 monthly payment can ease your financial burden and connect you with broader social support networks.
If you’re not sure about your eligibility or need help with the application, speak to your local Citizens Advice Bureau, or call the Carer’s Allowance helpline for free support.
FAQs
Q. Can I get Carer’s Allowance for caring for more than one person?
You can only receive one Carer’s Allowance payment, even if you care for multiple people.
Q. Is Carer’s Allowance taxable?
Yes. If your income is above the tax threshold, you’ll need to declare Carer’s Allowance as part of your annual income.
Q. Can pensioners claim Carer’s Allowance?
Yes, but you may receive Carer’s Premium or Addition instead if you already get the State Pension, due to overlapping benefit rules.
Q. Will claiming Carer’s Allowance affect the benefits of the person I care for?
In most cases, no. But if they receive a Severe Disability Premium, it may be stopped if you claim Carer’s Allowance.
Q. What if my earnings change during the year?
You must report any changes in your income to avoid overpayments or fraud issues. Temporary increases may still disqualify you.
