How much it is
Carer's Allowance is £86.45 a week from April 2026.
Who can get it
You may be able to get Carer's Allowance if:
- you care for someone for at least 35 hours a week
- they get a qualifying benefit, such as PIP daily living, DLA care (middle or highest rate), Attendance Allowance or Armed Forces Independence Payment
- you are 16 or over and not in full-time education
- you earn £204 a week or less after tax, National Insurance and some expenses (from April 2026)
The person you care for does not have to be related to you or live with you.
How it affects other benefits
- If you get Universal Credit, you may get a carer element instead of, or as well as, Carer's Allowance.
- If you get the State Pension, you usually cannot be paid both, but you may still get an "underlying entitlement" that can increase Pension Credit.
- Carer's Allowance gives you National Insurance credits, which protect your State Pension.
How to claim
Claim online on GOV.UK. It can be backdated up to 3 months. If you cannot get Carer's Allowance, you may still get Carer's Credit to protect your State Pension.
Common questions
Can I get Carer's Allowance if I work?
Yes, as long as your earnings after certain deductions are £204 a week or less (from April 2026). If you earn even slightly over the limit, you lose all of it for that week, so check carefully.
Will claiming affect the person I care for?
It can. If they get a severe disability addition in a means-tested benefit, such as Pension Credit, this may stop when you get Carer's Allowance. Get advice before you claim.
Sources we used
We check this page at least once a year, and sooner when the rules change. Read how we check our facts, or tell us if something looks wrong.