Carers Allowance

Carers Allowance is a benefit for people who look after someone who is disabled. You do not have to be related to the person you look after or live with them to receive Carers allowance.

You can receive carers allowance if:-

• You are aged 16 or over
• You spend at least 35 hours per week looking after the person

The person you care for must be receiving one of the following benefits:-

• Disability Living Allowance (middle or high rate for personal care)
• Attendance Allowance

You can not get Carers Allowance if:-

• You are completing an educational course described as full time by the education establishment – usually over 21 hours per week
• You are earning more than £100.00 per week after certain deductions, such as Income tax

If there are two people caring for a disabled person, only one carer is eligible to claim Carers Allowance. Carers can also only be paid one even if they care for more than one person. However, there can be more than one claim made per household; for example, a couple who care for each other could claim Carers Allowance in relation to their partner and vice-versa.

Carers Allowance is not affected by any savings you may have.

Rates

The standard weekly rate for Carers Allowance is £55.55.  This is reduced by the amount of certain other benefits, including State Pension, which you get.

If you receive certain other benefits at £55.55 or more a week, you won't get Carers Allowance as well. The below link has all the information you will require in relation to the effect on other benefits on your entitlement for Carers Allowance.

www.direct.gov.uk
Carers Allowance regulation is frequently changing. For more information about Carers Allowance, please visit the government website for all the information you will need: www.direct.gov.uk

At this website you will find information about Carers Allowance, eligibility criteria, information about rates, the impact of receiving other benefits and ways to apply for Carers Allowance.