Carer's Allowance — Rate, Eligibility & How to Apply

What is Carer's Allowance?

A weekly payment for people who spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone with a substantial disability.

Who may qualify

• You're 16 or over
• You care for someone at least 35 hours a week
• Your net earnings are £204 a week or less
• You're not in full-time education (21+ hours a week of study)
• You live in England or Wales (Scotland has its own Carer Support Payment)
• The person you care for receives one of the qualifying disability benefits below

Qualifying disability benefits (for the person you care for)

• Personal Independence Payment – daily living component
• Disability Living Allowance – middle or highest care rate
• Attendance Allowance
• Adult Disability Payment – daily living component
• Pension Age Disability Payment
• Armed Forces Independence Payment
• Constant Attendance Allowance

Payment rate

A flat £86.45 a week, paid weekly in advance or every 4 weeks. It doesn't increase for caring for more than one person or for more hours above the minimum.

How to apply

Apply online via GOV.UK. You'll need details of the person you care for (including their National Insurance number or date of birth), your own employment and income details, and bank details. Claims can be backdated up to 3 months.