Who qualifies for Carer’s Allowance

ByThiago SF

Caring for someone isn’t just an act of kindness — it’s a commitment that deserves recognition.

How to check if I’m eligible for Carer’s Allowance
When is Carer’s Allowance paid
How to report a change in circumstances for Carer’s Allowance
How to contact the Carer’s Allowance helpline
How to claim backdated Carer’s Allowance

The Carer’s Allowance exists to support people who spend significant time looking after someone with a disability or long-term health condition.

But not everyone qualifies automatically.

Understanding the eligibility rules helps ensure you don’t miss out on the support you’re entitled to — or apply when you’re not yet eligible.

💬 Knowing the rules means confidence, not confusion.

🕐 1️⃣ The 35-Hour Weekly Care Requirement

To qualify, you must provide at least 35 hours of care each week for someone who needs support.

Those hours can include:

  • 🛁 Helping with personal tasks (washing, dressing, eating).
  • 💬 Keeping someone company or supervising them for safety.
  • 🍽️ Preparing meals or managing medication.
  • 🚗 Driving to appointments or helping them get around.

You don’t need to live with the person, and you don’t need to be a relative — but your care must be regular, genuine, and consistent.

🧾 2️⃣ The Person You Care For Must Receive a Qualifying Benefit

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

  • Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – Daily Living component
  • Disability Living Allowance (DLA) – Middle or Higher Care rate
  • Attendance Allowance
  • Constant Attendance Allowance (linked to Industrial Injuries or War Disablement)
  • Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)

If the person you care for doesn’t receive one of these, you can’t currently qualify for Carer’s Allowance — even if you care for them full-time.

💡 Eligibility depends on both your circumstances and theirs.

💷 3️⃣ Income and Earnings Limits

You can still work and receive Carer’s Allowance, but your net earnings (after tax, National Insurance, and allowable expenses) must be £196 per week or less.

When calculating this:

  • Deduct tax and NI contributions.
  • Subtract half of childcare or replacement-care costs (if you pay someone while you work).
  • Include any self-employed expenses approved by HMRC.

💬 Earn more than £196 per week and you’ll lose eligibility for that week — even temporarily.

👩‍🏫 4️⃣ Age and Education Rules

To claim Carer’s Allowance, you must:

  • Be 16 or older.
  • Not be in full-time education (21 hours or more of supervised study per week).

Part-time study is allowed, provided your study time stays under the weekly limit and you still deliver at least 35 hours of care.

🎓 Students in full-time education usually cannot claim — but part-time carers may still qualify.

🏠 5️⃣ Residence and Immigration Conditions

You must normally:

  • Live in England, Wales or Scotland.
  • Have been present in Great Britain for at least 2 of the last 3 years.
  • Not be subject to immigration control that restricts access to public funds.

Temporary absences abroad may be allowed if you’re travelling with the cared-for person or under specific circumstances, but always notify the DWP.

⚖️ 6️⃣ Overlapping Benefits and “Underlying Entitlement”

If you already receive another benefit such as:

  • State Pension
  • Employment and Support Allowance
  • Jobseeker’s Allowance

You might not receive both payments simultaneously — but you can still gain what’s called an Underlying Entitlement.

This recognition doesn’t pay Carer’s Allowance directly, but it can increase or unlock other benefits like:

  • Pension Credit
  • Housing Benefit
  • Council Tax Reduction

⚙️ Even if you don’t get the payment, you still get credit for being a carer.

🏴 7️⃣ Scotland – Carer Support Payment

If you live in Scotland, new claims may fall under the Carer Support Payment scheme, managed by Social Security Scotland.
Eligibility is largely the same, but payment dates and administration differ slightly.

👉 www.mygov.scot/carer-support-payment

Additionally, Scottish carers receive the Carer’s Allowance Supplement twice a year — an automatic top-up recognising their continued care.

✅ 8️⃣ Quick Eligibility Checklist

Use this list to check your situation 👇

✅ You are 16 or older.
✅ You care for someone at least 35 hours a week.
✅ You earn £196 a week or less (after tax and deductions).
✅ The person you care for receives a qualifying disability benefit.
✅ You aren’t in full-time education.
✅ You live in the UK and meet residency rules.

If all these apply, you likely qualify to claim Carer’s Allowance.
Check the full criteria or start your application here:
👉 www.gov.uk/carers-allowance/eligibility

☎️ Official Contacts

Carer’s Allowance Unit (England, Wales & Scotland)
📞 0800 731 0297 📠 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
📞 0800 587 0912 🌐 www.nidirect.gov.uk

❓ FAQ – Common Questions About Eligibility

1️⃣ Can I claim Carer’s Allowance if I already receive a State Pension?
You may not get both payments but will have an underlying entitlement, which can boost other benefits.

2️⃣ Do I need to live with the person I care for?
No — you can live separately as long as you provide at least 35 hours of care per week.

3️⃣ Can two people claim for caring for the same person?
No — only one person can claim Carer’s Allowance per cared-for individual.

4️⃣ Can full-time students apply?
No, those in full-time education (21 hours or more per week) aren’t eligible.

5️⃣ What if I earn a bit over £196 some weeks?
If your earnings exceed £196 for a specific week, you lose payment for that week but can re-qualify afterwards.

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