How to claim backdated Carer’s Allowance

ByThiago SF

If you were already caring for someone and met all the requirements but applied for Carer’s Allowance late — there’s good news: you may still be able to claim money for past months.

This process is called a backdated claim.

It allows you to receive payments for up to three months before the date you applied, as long as you were already eligible during that time.

💬 In short: the support you deserve doesn’t have to start from the day you applied — it can go back to when your care truly began.

📜 1️⃣ How Far Back You Can Claim

Under the current Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) rules, you can normally backdate your claim by up to 3 months.

This applies across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and most of Scotland (though Scotland’s newer Carer Support Payment may have slightly different time limits).

You don’t need to provide a reason for applying late — simply request the backdate during your application.

⏳ Standard backdating limit: 3 months
📅 Possible extension: if the cared-for person’s qualifying benefit (like PIP or DLA) was granted late or backdated

👥 2️⃣ Who Can Backdate a Claim

You may qualify to backdate Carer’s Allowance if:

  • You’ve been caring for someone at least 35 hours per week, consistently.
  • Your income is under £196 per week (after tax and deductions).
  • The person you care for was already receiving a qualifying disability benefit (PIP, DLA, or Attendance Allowance).
  • You would have qualified for Carer’s Allowance during those past weeks.

The DWP will only backdate payments if all eligibility conditions were met during that time.

✅ You don’t need to prove why you applied late — but you must show you were eligible.

🧾 3️⃣ Step-by-Step: How to Claim Backdated Carer’s Allowance

Here’s how to ensure your claim includes the backdated period:

💻 Option 1 – Online (Recommended)

Go to the official page:
👉 www.gov.uk/carers-allowance/how-to-claim

During your application, you’ll see a section that asks:

“When do you want your Carer’s Allowance to start?”

In this field, enter the earliest date (within the 3-month limit) that you met all eligibility conditions.

You’ll also confirm whether the person you care for already received a qualifying benefit at that time.

✉️ Option 2 – By Post (Form DS700)

If you prefer to apply by mail, download and fill in the Carer’s Allowance claim form (DS700) here:
📄 Carer’s Allowance DS700 Form

Send it to:
Freepost DWP Carer’s Allowance Unit
(no stamp required)

Include:

  • Your National Insurance number
  • The start date you want payments from
  • The person’s details you care for (including their benefit type)

📦 You don’t need to attach proof, but providing evidence of care or benefit letters can help speed up the process.

🕰️ 4️⃣ Special Cases: When Backdating Can Go Beyond 3 Months

In some cases, your backdating might align with the start of the cared-for person’s qualifying benefit.

For example:

  • If the person you care for received a PIP or DLA award that was itself backdated, your Carer’s Allowance could be aligned with that same start date.
  • However, this isn’t automatic — the DWP reviews each case individually.

If your caring period and their benefit overlap, you can ask for the Carer’s Allowance to match that earlier date.

In Scotland, where the benefit is now managed by Social Security Scotland under Carer Support Payment, claims can sometimes be backdated up to 13 weeks (around 3 months) depending on the circumstances.
👉 www.mygov.scot/carer-support-payment/backdated

⚙️ 5️⃣ What Happens After You Apply

Once your claim is submitted, the DWP will:

  1. Review your eligibility for the backdated period.
  2. Calculate any owed payments.
  3. Send you a decision letter explaining the result.

If your backdate request is approved, you’ll receive a lump-sum payment for that period.
If refused, you’ll still receive Carer’s Allowance from the standard approval date — and you can challenge the decision.

⚖️ 6️⃣ If Your Request Is Refused

If the DWP denies the backdating, you can:

  • Ask for a Mandatory Reconsideration, requesting a review of your case.
  • Provide supporting details showing that you met the conditions earlier (for example, copies of care records, benefit letters, or employment documents).
  • If still refused, appeal to an independent tribunal.

💬 Keep every letter and document — they’re vital if you challenge the decision later.

☎️ 7️⃣ Official Contacts for Help

Carer’s Allowance Unit (England, Wales & Scotland)
📞 Telephone: 0800 731 0297
📠 Textphone: 0800 731 0317
📡 Relay UK: Dial 18001 + 0800 731 0297
🕘 Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
📬 Freepost DWP Carer’s Allowance Unit
🌐 www.gov.uk/carers-allowance

Northern Ireland
📞 Disability and Carers Service: 0800 587 0912
🌐 www.nidirect.gov.uk

For free guidance or support completing your application, contact:

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1️⃣ How long can I backdate my Carer’s Allowance claim?
Up to 3 months if you were already eligible during that time.

2️⃣ Do I need to give a reason for applying late?
No. You can simply request backdating in your claim form.

3️⃣ Can it go further than 3 months?
Yes, in special cases — for example, if the cared-for person’s benefit was itself backdated.

4️⃣ How long does a backdated claim take to process?
Usually 4–6 weeks, depending on workload and document verification.

5️⃣ How will I receive backdated payments?
If approved, you’ll get a lump sum directly to your bank account.

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