Money for people who give unpaid care

Carer’s Allowance is a benefit for some unpaid carers.

You normally need to provide at least 35 hours of care each week.

You must also meet age, earnings and other rules.

The person you care for must get a disability benefit that meets the rules.

Some disability benefits do not meet these rules.

Ask a benefits adviser to check their payments.

Check the earnings rules if you work.

The rules allow some costs to be taken off your earnings.

Ask for a check before deciding you earn too much.

Universal Credit may include an extra payment for caring.

This is called the carer’s element.

Tell Universal Credit about your caring role.

You do not need to get Carer’s Allowance to qualify.

Caring benefits can affect benefits you already get.

For example, Carer’s Allowance normally reduces your Universal Credit payment.

Ask for a check of all your payments.

Your claim can also affect the person you care for.

They could lose an extra payment for severe disability.

Ask an adviser to check both people’s benefits before you claim.

Carer’s Credit may help protect your State Pension record.

It is not a cash payment.

You normally need at least 20 hours of care each week.

Other rules also apply.