How to Claim Carer’s Allowance and Eligibility for Carer’s Allowance

Carer’s Allowance is a benefit the UK government pays to individuals who spend most of their time looking after someone with a disability or health condition. The allowance is £76.75 per week as of 2025, although claiming this can affect other benefits you or the person you care for get.
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Eligibility for Carer’s Allowance

To qualify for Carer’s Allowance, you should:
✅ Care for an individual for at least 35 hours per week  You must give care through help with daily living, taking medication, or personal care.
✅ £139 or under per week – This is the net tax and subtract things such as pension payments. ✅ Be aged 16 or above – You must be 16 or above to apply.
✅ Not in full-time education – You are not allowed to be studying for over 21 hours a week. ✅ The individual you care for needs to receive a qualifying benefit – These include:
•Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
•Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
•Attendance Allowance
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How to Claim Carer’s Allowance

You can claim Carer’s Allowance online or through the post. This is how:
1. Apply Online
• Go to the Gov.uk website.
• Complete the online application with details of yourself and the individual you care for.
2. Apply by Post
• Obtain a Carer’s Allowance claim form from Gov.uk and download it.
• Complete it and send it to the address indicated.
Details You’ll Need:
✔️ Your National Insurance number and the person you look after’s National Insurance number
✔️ Building society or bank account number
✔️ Work details (if you have work)
✔️ Any benefits you are already receiving
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What If You’re Not Eligible?

If you do not receive Carer’s Allowance, you may still be able to receive:
•Carer’s Credit – You receive a National Insurance credit, which ensures your State Pension is secure.
•Universal Credit – If you have a low income, you’ll receive additional support.
•Council Tax Reduction – Some councils offer a carer discount on Council Tax.
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Tips on Making a Valid Claim

Keep Records: Keep a record of the care hours you are allocated and the level of care.
Check Your Income: Ensure that you do not earn more than the earnings limit so you will still qualify.
Follow-up: If you have not heard back within six weeks, call the Carer’s Allowance Unit to confirm.
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Conclusion

Applying for a Carer’s Allowance is a way of getting money while also valuing the value of your unpaid caring work. Make sure that you are entitled to the benefit, have the correct documents, and claim through the appropriate means. If you are not certain if you qualify, seek advice from a benefits counselor or look on Gov.uk for more information.