Carer's Allowance

Carer’s Allowance is the main welfare benefit available to help carers. If you look after someone with a disability or health problem, you may be able to claim it – even if you don’t think of yourself as a ‘carer.’

Can I claim it?

You could qualify if:

• you spend at least 35 hours a week caring for a disabled person – whether you live with them or not
• the person you look after receives Attendance Allowance, the Disability Living Allowance care component (at the higher or middle rate), the Personal Independence Payment daily living component (at either rate), Armed Forces Independence Payment or Constant Attendance Allowance
• you’re not in full-time education or earning more than £128 a week (after tax and expenses).

If your State Pension is more than £69.70 a week, you won’t be paid Carer’s Allowance. Claiming anyway could increase other means-tested benefits you get, but it may reduce certain benefits received by the person you’re looking after.

For help weighing up your options, it’s best to speak to Age NI’s Advice and Advocacy Service before claiming Carer’s Allowance. To request a claim form for Carer’s Allowance, call the Disability and Carers Service on 0800 587 0912