Carer's allowance

Can I claim it?

• You need to be caring for someone who is receiving the higher or middle rate care component of Disability Living Allowance or any rate of Attendance Allowance. This person could be a family member (like your spouse or a parent) or a friend.
• You must spend at least 35 hours a week caring for that person. It doesn’t matter if you don’t live with them.
• You must not be in full-time education.
• You must earn no more than £100 a week (after the deduction of allowable expenses such as Income Tax).

It may not be paid if you are receiving a State Pension or certain other benefits - however‚ it may be a good idea to apply anyway because you could get extra help with Pension Credit and/or Council Tax/Housing Benefit instead.

Carer’s Allowance can sometimes continue in payment for short periods if the person you care for dies or if you have a break from caring.

Case study

“The extra money has made a big difference to our lives. Douglas now gets the proper care he needs with me at home”

Seventy-nine year-old Douglas spent 40 odd years driving a petrol tanker around the country before he retired at 65. While he loved the job‚ it took its toll on his knees and he is now partially housebound.

“My wife Kathryn and I had no idea that we could claim benefits until we popped in to see Tracy at Age Concern‚” said Douglas.

Kathryn said‚ “Douglas was finding it hard to manage on his own at home. His knees made him unstable so he was at risk of injury. I was working part time and was always worried about him when I left the house.

“Tracy changed our lives. She helped Douglas claim Attendance Allowance and then she helped me claim Carer’s Allowance so I could leave my job as a cleaner and stay home full time to look after him.

“The extra money has made a big difference to our lives. Douglas now gets the proper care he needs with me at home and he can pay for physio on his knees. I find we worry less about our gas bills. I am healthier too since leaving my job because the cleaning was taking its toll on me physically.

“And to think‚ all we did was answer some questions and sign the forms. Tracy did the rest! She was wonderful.”

 FS55 Carer's Allowance - April 2011 (PDF 200KB) 

 Benefits, Entitlements & Financial Assistance - April 2011 (PDF 440KB)