Can I get Carer’s Allowance and other benefits together
Carer’s Allowance is a lifeline for many people who dedicate time and energy to caring for someone who needs support.
But one of the most common questions carers ask is:
“Can I still receive my other benefits while getting Carer’s Allowance?”
The short answer is yes — but it depends on what you already receive.
Some benefits can be paid together, others may be reduced or replaced, and a few may still give you an underlying entitlement — even when you don’t receive Carer’s Allowance as cash.
⚖️ 1️⃣ The General Rule: Overlapping Benefits
The UK’s “overlapping benefits rule” means you can’t normally get two income-replacement benefits at the same time.
Carer’s Allowance overlaps with benefits such as:
- State Pension
- Contribution-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
If you already receive one of these, you won’t be paid Carer’s Allowance on top of it.
However, you could still have what’s called an “underlying entitlement.”
🧾 2️⃣ What Is an Underlying Entitlement?
An underlying entitlement means that, although you don’t receive the Carer’s Allowance payment itself, the system recognises that you qualify.
This can be important because it:
- Increases your eligibility for Pension Credit.
- Can boost your Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction.
- Confirms your official status as a carer for future claims or benefits.
So even if you don’t get the weekly £83.30 payment, your caring role is still officially acknowledged — and can unlock extra support.
💷 3️⃣ Benefits You Can Get Together with Carer’s Allowance
While some benefits overlap, others work alongside Carer’s Allowance and can even increase your income.
✅ Universal Credit
You can get both Carer’s Allowance and Universal Credit.
However, Carer’s Allowance will count as income, which means your Universal Credit payment will be reduced by the same amount.
But there’s a benefit: if you’re a recognised carer, you’ll receive an additional “Carer Element” within Universal Credit — worth around £198.31 per month.
✅ Pension Credit
If you or your partner receive Pension Credit, being entitled to Carer’s Allowance can add a Carer Addition of £45.60 per week to your Pension Credit calculation — even if your Carer’s Allowance isn’t paid.
✅ Income Support / Housing Benefit / Council Tax Reduction
These means-tested benefits can usually be received together with Carer’s Allowance, but the payment will count as income in your assessment.
In many cases, your total weekly benefit amount increases slightly due to the Carer Premium.
🚫 4️⃣ Benefits That Clash or Reduce Payments
You usually cannot receive Carer’s Allowance together with:
- State Pension (if it’s higher than £83.30 per week).
- Contribution-based ESA or JSA.
- Maternity Allowance or Bereavement Support Payment (depending on value).
If you already receive one of these, your Carer’s Allowance payment will be reduced, or you’ll receive an underlying entitlement instead.
💬 Example: If your State Pension is £100/week, you won’t receive the £83.30 Carer’s Allowance, but your carer status still gives access to Carer-related credits and premiums.
🏴 5️⃣ Scotland: Carer Support Payment and Supplement
In Scotland, new claims are being moved to the Carer Support Payment, which works similarly to Carer’s Allowance.
It can still affect other benefits in the same way, but eligible carers also receive the Carer’s Allowance Supplement, paid twice a year (worth £293.50 in June 2025).
👉 Learn more: www.mygov.scot/carer-support-payment
👥 6️⃣ How Carer’s Allowance Affects the Person You Care For
Claiming Carer’s Allowance might slightly affect the benefits of the person you care for.
If they receive a severe disability premium as part of their benefit (for example, within Pension Credit or Income Support), this premium may stop once you start receiving Carer’s Allowance.
⚠️ Always check with DWP or Citizens Advice before applying if this situation applies to you or your family member.
📊 7️⃣ Quick Compatibility Chart
| Other Benefit | Can You Get It with Carer’s Allowance? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Universal Credit | ✅ Yes | Counts as income, but adds a “Carer Element.” |
| State Pension | ⚠️ No (overlaps) | You may still have an “underlying entitlement.” |
| Pension Credit | ✅ Yes | May add a “Carer Addition.” |
| Income Support | ✅ Yes | May add a “Carer Premium.” |
| ESA / JSA (contribution-based) | ❌ No | These overlap fully. |
| Housing Benefit / Council Tax Reduction | ✅ Yes | Payment counts as income but usually increases total support. |
| Carer Support Payment (Scotland) | ✅ Yes | Replaces Carer’s Allowance in some areas. |
☎️ 8️⃣ Official Contacts
Carer’s Allowance Unit (England, Wales & Scotland)
📞 Telephone: 0800 731 0297
📠 Textphone: 0800 731 0317
📡 Relay UK: 18001 + 0800 731 0297
🕘 Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
📬 Freepost DWP Carer’s Allowance Unit
Northern Ireland
📞 Disability and Carers Service: 0800 587 0912
🌐 www.nidirect.gov.uk
❓ FAQ – Common Questions
1️⃣ Can I get Carer’s Allowance and Universal Credit together?
Yes — but the Carer’s Allowance counts as income and reduces Universal Credit by the same amount.
2️⃣ Can I get Carer’s Allowance and State Pension?
Not both in payment, but you may have an “underlying entitlement.”
3️⃣ Will my Carer’s Allowance reduce my partner’s benefits?
In some cases, yes — especially if they receive a Severe Disability Premium.
4️⃣ What is a Carer Premium or Addition?
It’s an extra amount added to other benefits (like Income Support or Pension Credit) if you qualify as a carer.
5️⃣ Does Carer’s Allowance affect Child Benefit or tax credits?
No, it doesn’t reduce Child Benefit, but it may affect means-tested tax credits.