How to check if I’m eligible for Carer’s Allowance

ByThiago SF

Every day across the UK, thousands of people dedicate their time and energy to caring for someone — often without expecting anything in return.

The Carer’s Allowance exists to recognise this commitment, providing financial and emotional support to those who look after others.

But before you can apply, it’s essential to know if you’re eligible.

This guide explains exactly how to check your situation and what criteria the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) uses to determine eligibility.

👥 1️⃣ The 35-Hour Care Rule

To qualify, you must care for someone for at least 35 hours a week.

These hours can include:

  • 🛁 Helping with washing, dressing, eating, or mobility.
  • 🍽️ Cooking meals or household cleaning.
  • 🚗 Driving them to appointments or assisting with medication.
  • 💬 Providing companionship and supervision.

You don’t need to live with the person you care for, nor be related.
However, if more than one person provides care, only one carer can claim Carer’s Allowance for that individual.

🧾 2️⃣ The Cared-for Person Must Receive a Qualifying Benefit

The person you look after must receive one of the following:

  • Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – daily living component.
  • Disability Living Allowance (DLA) – middle or higher care rate.
  • Attendance Allowance.
  • Constant Attendance Allowance (linked to war pensions).
  • Armed Forces Independence Payment.

If they do not receive any of these, your claim will not be approved — even if you provide 35+ hours of care weekly.

💷 3️⃣ Income and Earnings Limit

You can still work and receive Carer’s Allowance, but your net earnings must be below £196 per week (2025 threshold).

When calculating this:

  • Deduct income tax and National Insurance.
  • Subtract half of childcare or replacement care costs.
  • Include allowable business expenses (if self-employed).

If your earnings exceed the limit, you won’t qualify.
Keeping payslips and expense records helps confirm your eligibility.

🎓 4️⃣ Age, Education, and Residency Conditions

To qualify, you must:

  • Be 16 or older.
  • Not be in full-time education (21 hours or more per week).
  • Live in England, Wales, or Scotland and have been present for at least 2 of the last 3 years.
  • Not be subject to immigration control (unless exempt).

If you are studying part-time, you may still qualify depending on total class hours.

⚖️ 5️⃣ Special Rules and Exceptions

🔹 Overlapping Benefits

If you already receive certain benefits (like the State Pension), you might not get Carer’s Allowance payments, but you could have “underlying entitlement.”
This status can increase your Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or Council Tax Reduction.

🔹 Scotland – Carer Support Payment

Since late 2024, new claims in Scotland are processed under the Carer Support Payment system via Social Security Scotland.
You can learn more at 👉 www.mygov.scot/carer-support-payment

🔹 Caring for Multiple People

Even if you care for several people, you can only claim Carer’s Allowance for one person at a time.

📋 6️⃣ Self-Check Eligibility Checklist

✅ Are you aged 16 or older?
✅ Do you provide at least 35 hours of weekly care?
✅ Does the person you care for receive a qualifying benefit?
✅ Are your weekly earnings below £196 after deductions?
✅ Are you not in full-time education?
✅ Do you live in and meet residence rules for the UK?

If you answered “yes” to all these, you likely qualify to apply for Carer’s Allowance.
For certainty, use the official eligibility page at 👉 www.gov.uk/carers-allowance/eligibility

🧭 7️⃣ What to Do If You’re Unsure

If you’re not sure whether your circumstances qualify, there are trusted ways to get official advice:

  • Carer’s Allowance Unit (England, Wales, Scotland)
    📞 0800 731 0297
    📠 Textphone: 0800 731 0317
    📨 Mail: Carer’s Allowance Unit, Mail Handling Site A, Wolverhampton, WV98 2AB
  • Northern Ireland — Disability and Carers Service
    📞 0800 587 0912
    🌐 www.nidirect.gov.uk

You can also seek help from Citizens Advice or Carers UK for free and confidential support.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1️⃣ Can I get Carer’s Allowance if I’m on State Pension?
If your State Pension is higher than Carer’s Allowance, you won’t get both, but you’ll have an underlying entitlement that may boost other benefits.

2️⃣ How does Carer’s Allowance affect Universal Credit?
You may receive a Carer Element within your Universal Credit, increasing your total entitlement.

3️⃣ Can I backdate my claim?
Yes, if you met all conditions, you can backdate your claim by up to 3 months.

4️⃣ What if the cared-for person’s benefits stop?
If they lose eligibility for their qualifying benefit, your Carer’s Allowance may also stop. Always report changes immediately.

5️⃣ Can full-time students apply?
No. Carer’s Allowance isn’t available to those studying 21 or more hours a week.

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