Carer’s Allowance
If you become a full-time carer, you may be entitled to claim Carer’s Allowance. You may be eligible to claim it if you care for someone for at least 35 hours a week, they receive certain benefits and your earnings are below a certain threshold.
You do not have to be related to, or live with, the person you care for to claim. But you must be aged over 16, and the person you care for must receive a benefit such as Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance (at the middle or highest rate) or Personal Independence Payment (with the daily living component). If someone else also cares for the same person, only one of you can claim Carer’s Allowance.
There are other reasons you cannot claim, including being in full-time education. Claiming Carer’s Allowance can affect other benefits that you or the person you care for receive.
Carers UK has more information on Carer’s Allowance, or you can visit a local carers’ centre. You can check your eligibility and apply online or by calling 0800 731 0297.
The rules are different in Northern Ireland. NI Direct has more information on this.
In Scotland, the Carer Support Payment is replacing Carer’s Allowance.
You need to report a change in circumstances to the Carer’s Allowance Unit online or by calling 0800 731 0297. For example, if you have a break from caring because someone you care for goes into temporary residential care or if your income goes above the threshold.
How much is Carer’s Allowance?
Carer’s Allowance is currently £86.45 per week (in 2026/27). You must not earn more than £204 per week (after deductions including tax, national insurance and certain expenses) to receive it.
You won’t be paid extra if you care for more than one person.
How do I claim Carer's Allowance?
- If you live in England, Scotland or Wales, apply online or call 0800 731 0297, textphone 0800 731 0317.
- If you live in Northern Ireland, apply online via NI Direct or call the Disability and Carers Service on 0800 587 0912, textphone 0800 012 1574.
- In Scotland, people who receive Carer’s Allowance will be automatically moved onto a new benefit called Carer Support Payment by spring 2025. The amount you get will stay the same.
Disability Living Allowance for children (DLA)
You can only claim Disability Living Allowance (DLA) on behalf of a baby or child who is under the age of 16 and lives in England or Wales. It is known as ‘DLA for children’. You can claim DLA for children whether you’re in or out of work.
DLA for children may help with the extra costs of looking after a child who has difficulties walking or needs extra care because of an illness or disability. They must have had these difficulties for at least three months and expect them to last for at least six months. It is split into care and mobility parts.
The care part is paid at three different weekly rates and depends on the level of care that your child needs:
- Higher rate £114.60.
- Middle rate £76.70.
- Lower rate £30.30.
The mobility part is paid at two different weekly rates and depends on the amount of help your child needs getting around:
- Higher rate £80.
- Lower rate £30.30.
Your child may need to attend an assessment to work out how much support they should get.
You can claim DLA for children living in Northern Ireland but the rules are different. NI Direct has more details.
If the child lives in Scotland, you need to apply for Child Disability Payment instead.
How do I claim DLA for children?
To claim DLA for a child, you need to be their parent or guardian.
- If the child lives in England or Wales, call the DLA Helpline on 0800 121 4600, textphone 0800 121 4523.
- In Scotland, you can apply for Child Disability Payment online or call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.
- In Northern Ireland, contact your local Jobs and Benefits office, or call the Disability and Carers Service on 0800 587 0912, textphone 0800 012 1574.
When your child turns 16, they may be eligible to apply for a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) instead.
Changing your work hours and Carer’s Credit
Some carers reduce or change their working hours to support someone. In England, Scotland and Wales, you have the right to request flexible working from the start of your employment. In Northern Ireland, you must have worked for your employer for 26 weeks before you have the right to request flexible working. Working from home and other types of flexible working have become more common in recent years. Your employer must make a decision on your request within two months.
Carers UK has advice on managing work and caring to help you understand your options.
If you have to give up work, check what help you are entitled to under your work pension scheme (if you have one). If you’re not working or claiming Carer’s Allowance, you may be able to claim Carer’s Credit to protect your state pension. You need to be providing at least 20 hours of support a week to be eligible.
You may also be entitled to benefits, such as Universal Credit and grants and loans depending on your situation.
The benefits system is complex. It’s a good idea to seek specialist advice about what you are entitled to and help with filling in claim forms.