Carer's Allowance: Support for Unpaid Carers

Caring for a partner, child, parent, or friend with a long-term illness or disability is invaluable work. However, looking after someone often means reducing your working hours or leaving employment altogether, which can put a strain on your personal finances. Carer's Allowance is the main benefit intended to recognise the dedication of unpaid carers and provide regular financial assistance.

Qualification Criteria for Carer's Allowance

To qualify for Carer's Allowance in 2026/27, you must meet all of the following requirements:

• You spend at least 35 hours a week caring for one person.
• The person you care for receives a qualifying disability benefit.
• You earn no more than £204.00 per week after allowable deductions.
• You are aged 16 or over.
• You are not in full-time education (studying 12 or more hours per week).
• You meet UK residency and presence rules.

You do not need to be related to or live with the person you care for to receive Carer's Allowance.

Qualifying Disability Benefits

The person you look after must receive at least one of these qualifying benefits:

• Personal Independence Payment (PIP) daily living component (standard or enhanced rate).
• Disability Living Allowance (DLA) care component at the middle or highest rate.
• Attendance Allowance (either rate).
• Armed Forces Independence Payment.
• Child Disability Payment or Adult Disability Payment in Scotland.

Carer's Allowance Rate and Earnings Limit for 2026/27

For the 2026/27 tax year, the standard rate of Carer's Allowance is £86.45 per week.

The net earnings threshold for carers is £204.00 per week. When calculating your net earnings, you can deduct allowable expenses, including:

• Income Tax and National Insurance contributions.
• Half of any personal or workplace pension contributions.
• Necessary care expenses for your children or the person you care for while you are working (up to 50% of your net earnings).

In addition to cash payments, claiming Carer's Allowance grants you Class 1 National Insurance credits, protecting your State Pension record. Carers living in Scotland may also qualify for the additional Carer Support Payment administered by Social Security Scotland.

How Carer's Allowance Interacts with Other Benefits

Carer's Allowance is subject to overlapping benefit rules. This means if you receive another benefit equal to or higher than Carer's Allowance—such as the State Pension or contribution-based ESA—you cannot receive the full monetary payment for Carer's Allowance. However, claiming establishes an "underlying entitlement," which can increase your eligibility for extra payments inside Pension Credit or Council Tax Reduction.

If you receive Universal Credit, caring for someone for 35 hours a week allows you to receive the Universal Credit Carer Element worth £198.31 per month, which has no earnings cap.

How to Apply

You can apply online in around 20 minutes using the GOV.UK Carer's Allowance application service. You will need details about your income, your National Insurance number, and the benefit details of the person you care for.