The Carer's Allowance

Caring is a job. Although caring for a family member grants an unmatched level of comfort and trust in your loved one’s wellbeing, it can pose practical, financial, emotional and/or physical challenges.

Regardless of whether you have a job or are studying in addition to your caring responsibilities, you may be entitled to a Carer’s Allowance. The Carer’s Allowance is worth £62.10 per week.

Below are the steps for obtaining a Carer’s Allowance:

Step 1: Carer’s Assessment

Carer’s Assessments are carried out to understand the amount of support a carer and the person they are caring for need. Carer’s Assessments aim to quantify the effect caring for another has on your health, wellbeing, work and family life.

Further, an assessment may result in a ‘support plan’ which outlines how your needs will be met and what local care or support is available.

Step 2: Care and Support Needs Assessment

This assessment can be carried out simultaneously with your Carer’s Assessment. The assessment will decide whether you are eligible for home adaptations and financial support in buying specialist equipment.

Step 3: Criteria for Carer’s Allowance

  1. You are at least 16 years old
  2. You spend at least 35 hours caring for someone a week
  3. You are not enrolled in full time education or studying for more than 21 hours a week
  4. You have been in the UK for 2 of the last 3 years
  5. You earn £110 or less a week (after taxes)

Additionally, the person you are caring for must receive one of the following benefits for you to be eligible for a Carer’s Allowance – Personal Independence Payment, Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance, Constant Attendance Allowance, or Armed Forces Independence Payment.

Step 4: Information required when applying

You need:

  1. Your National Insurance Number as well as that of the person you are caring for
  2. Your bank details or building society details
  3. The date of birth and address of the person you are caring for
  4. If you are studying – you need to provide your course details
  5. If you are working – you need to provide your dates, how much you are paid, and your most recent payslip.

You do not need to live with the person you are caring for in order to receive a Carer’s Allowance.

Step 5: Applying Online

You can find the application form on the official UK Government gov.uk website.