How many hours do you need to care to get Carer’s Allowance
Carer’s Allowance isn’t just about what you do — it’s about the time you dedicate to care.
The UK government uses a clear weekly threshold to determine who qualifies.
Understanding this limit helps ensure your care work is recognised — and that you claim what you’re entitled to without missing out.
💬 Every hour of care counts — but only after a certain point does it unlock support.
🕐 1️⃣ The Official Requirement: 35 Hours Per Week
To qualify for Carer’s Allowance, you must care for someone for at least 35 hours per week.
That’s the minimum threshold — you can of course care for longer, but caring fewer than 35 hours means you won’t be eligible for this benefit.
These 35 hours don’t need to be in a single block. They can be spread out over the week, across days or different times of day, as long as the total adds up.
👉 Official reference: www.gov.uk/carers-allowance/eligibility
🧩 2️⃣ What Counts as “Caring” Hours
Caring can take many forms — emotional, physical, or practical.
The DWP recognises the following as valid care activities:
- 🧼 Helping the person wash, dress, or eat.
- 💊 Managing or giving medication.
- 🧺 Cleaning, cooking, or shopping on their behalf.
- 🚗 Driving them to appointments.
- 💬 Supervising them for safety or emotional reassurance.
- 🧾 Helping with paperwork, bills, or household tasks.
You don’t need to live with the person — as long as the care you provide totals 35 hours a week, it counts.
💙 Caring isn’t always visible — but it’s measurable when it changes someone’s life.
🕰️ 3️⃣ How the Hours Are Counted
The DWP measures care by total weekly time, not by day.
This means:
- You can split care across different days or times.
- It doesn’t have to be continuous or full-time every day.
- You can care early mornings, evenings, or throughout the weekend.
The key is consistency — if, on average, your care adds up to 35 hours per week, you meet the requirement.
If you share care duties with someone else, only one person can claim Carer’s Allowance for that cared-for individual.
⚖️ 4️⃣ What Happens If You Care Less Than 35 Hours
If your weekly care hours fall below 35 (for example, during illness or holidays), you may lose eligibility for that week.
However:
- Short breaks (like the person you care for being hospitalised) can sometimes be ignored if temporary.
- You must inform the DWP about any significant change in your caring pattern.
👉 To report changes: www.gov.uk/carers-allowance-report-change
📞 Or contact the Carer’s Allowance Unit at 0800 731 0297 for advice.
👥 5️⃣ Sharing Care Responsibilities
If two or more people care for the same individual, only one can claim Carer’s Allowance — even if both meet the 35-hour requirement.
In this case, families often agree on who will make the claim, usually the person providing the most consistent daily support.
🤝 Shared care doesn’t double the benefit — but it doubles the compassion.
🧾 6️⃣ Temporary Exceptions & Special Cases
You can usually continue receiving Carer’s Allowance for up to 4 weeks if:
- You or the person you care for is in hospital.
- The person you care for goes on holiday but still needs your support.
- You temporarily can’t provide care due to illness.
Always keep records and inform the DWP if you expect an absence to last longer than 4 weeks.
✅ 7️⃣ Quick Summary Chart
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Minimum Hours | 35 hours per week |
| Counting Method | Total time per week (flexible schedule) |
| Valid Care Tasks | Personal care, supervision, errands, medication, emotional support |
| Multiple Carers | Only one can claim per cared-for person |
| Temporary Breaks | Allowed up to 4 weeks in some cases |
| Need to Report Changes? | Yes — to the DWP or via online form |
☎️ 8️⃣ Official Contact Information
Carer’s Allowance Unit (England, Wales & Scotland)
📞 0800 731 0297
📠 0800 731 0317
📡 Relay UK: 18001 + 0800 731 0297
🕘 Monday to Friday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
📬 Freepost DWP Carer’s Allowance Unit
Northern Ireland
📞 0800 587 0912
🌐 www.nidirect.gov.uk
❓ FAQ – Common Questions About Care Hours
1️⃣ Do I need to care for 35 hours in a row?
No — hours can be split across the week, at any time of day.
2️⃣ What if I care for two people?
You can add up all care hours across both, but can only claim for one person.
3️⃣ What if my care drops below 35 hours one week?
You may lose the benefit for that week — inform the DWP immediately.
4️⃣ Do sleepovers count?
Only if you’re awake and providing active care or supervision during that time.
5️⃣ Does travel time count?
Yes — time spent helping the person get to appointments or activities counts.