Caring for someone else—whether a friend or a family member—can be demanding. Good news: if you’re providing at least 35 hours of care per week to someone who receives a qualifying benefit, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) may pay you £83.30 a week—that’s up to £333.20 a month (approx. £330).
What Is Carer’s Allowance?
Carer’s Allowance is a UK government benefit for individuals who look after someone—such as helping with meals, household chores, or attending medical appointments—while meeting certain conditions. You:
- Don’t need to be related or live with the person you care for.
- Must provide 35 hours or more of care per week.
- Can receive £83.30 per week (2025/26 rate), which amounts to around £333 monthly and £4,331.60 annually.
Eligibility Criteria at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Care hours per week | Minimum of 35 hours |
| Recipient’s benefits | They must receive one of a list of qualifying disability-related benefits |
| Your earnings threshold | £196 per week or less (after tax, NI, and allowed deductions) from April 2025 onward |
| Age & education | Aged 16 or over, not in full-time education |
| Residence | Live in England, Scotland, or Wales, and meet presence/residence rules |
| Overlap with State Pension | Cannot receive full Carer’s Allowance if State Pension is £83.30 or more, though you may get an “underlying entitlement” |
Important Figures & Updates
- Rate: £83.30 per week for 2025/26.
- Monthly equivalent: Approximately £333.20 (roughly £330).
- Annual total: Around £4,331.60.
- Earnings limit: Increased to £196/week from 7 April 2025 (previously lower) to allow more working carers to qualify.
- Taxation & NI credits: Carer’s Allowance counts toward your National Insurance record and may be taxable if your overall income exceeds thresholds.
Who Can Apply?
You can claim even if you’re not related to the person you’re caring for. Just one person may claim for each individual being cared for—even if multiple people help out. Caring for more than one person does not bring extra payments.
You’ll become ineligible if your earnings after deductions (tax, National Insurance, half pension contributions, and some other expenses) exceed £196/week.
If you receive a State Pension that equals or exceeds £83.30/week, you won’t receive Carer’s Allowance—but you may still gain valuable entitlement credits.
Why This Matters Now
The increase in earnings threshold effective from 7 April 2025 allows many more carers to qualify, providing significant financial relief and flexibility.
The boost to £83.30/week ensures that carers can access support that’s more realistic and meaningful in today’s cost landscape.
If you’re caring for someone for 35+ hours weekly, you could unlock up to £83.30 per week, £333 a month, or £4,331 a year—even if you’re not related or living with them.
With updated thresholds and DWP changes, more carers than ever can benefit—and every bit of support helps when you’re giving your time, energy, and compassion.
FAQs
Do I have to live with the person I care for to claim Carer’s Allowance?
No—you don’t need to be cohabiting or related.
What if I earn slightly more than £196 per week?
Even being £1 over the threshold can disqualify you—but certain deductions (NI, tax, pension, business expenses) may reduce your earnings count toward eligibility.
Can I still claim Carer’s Allowance if I receive the State Pension?
If your pension is less than £83.30/week, Carer’s Allowance may top it up. If it’s higher, you won’t receive the allowance—but you may get an “underlying entitlement” that can benefit other means-tested support.