Carer's Allowance
A weekly benefit for people who spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone who receives certain disability benefits. Not means-tested on the carer's savings, but taxable and affected by earnings. Only one carer can claim per person cared for.
Independent editorial summary — not the official statute text. Read the official version on legislation.gov.uk.
The qualifying test is about hours and the cared-for person's own benefits, not about any formal relationship: official guidance states 'You could get £86.45 a week if you care for someone at least 35 hours a week and they get certain benefits', and adds that 'You do not have to be related to, or live with, the person you care for.' The allowance does not stack: 'You do not get paid extra if you care for more than one person', and where two people share caring duties for the same person, 'only one of you can claim Carer's Allowance.'
Claiming has knock-on effects, both positive and negative. Guidance warns that 'Carer's Allowance can affect the other benefits that you and the person you care for get' and that 'You have to pay tax on it if your income is over the Personal Allowance.' On the positive side, 'For each week you get Carer's Allowance you'll automatically get National Insurance credits', and claimants may separately be able to apply for 'a Council Tax Reduction' or 'Universal Credit if you're on a low income or out of work.' The scheme has also been the subject of a large-scale correction: guidance notes that 'DWP are reassessing Carer's Allowance overpayments that took place between 10 April 2015 and 2 September 2025', and that those affected 'may get a refund or your debt reduced or cancelled' without needing to contact DWP first.
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Official sources
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