Carer’s Allowance is a benefit that provides an income to someone who cares for another person while also claiming certain benefits. The payment can be made weekly or every four weeks at a rate of £83.30 and can also come with additional perks if you’re not in employment.
If you’re dedicating a significant number of hours to caring for someone else, you could be eligible for up to £330 per month.
Carer’s Allowance is a benefit scheme designed to provide an income to people who care for another person while also receiving specific benefits. The allowance can be paid either weekly or every four weeks at a rate of £83.30 and may offer additional perks if you’re not currently employed.
The kind of care that qualifies one for Carer’s Allowance can vary, but it might include tasks such as helping with everyday household chores like shopping, washing and cooking for someone, or even accompanying the person being cared for to a doctor’s appointment.
Eligibility for Carer’s Allowance
To claim Carer’s Allowance, you must provide care for someone for at least 35 hours a week. Additionally, the person being cared for must also receive certain benefits, including:
- Constant Attendance Allowance at or above the normal maximum rate with an Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
- Adult Disability Payment – daily living component at the standard or enhanced rate
- Child Disability Payment – the middle or highest care rate
- Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance – the middle or highest care rate
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Attendance Allowance
- Constant Attendance Allowance at the basic (full day) rate with a War Disablement Pension
- Personal Independence Payment – daily living component
- Pension Age Disability Payment
- Disability Living Allowance – the middle or highest care rate
Bear in mind that you do not have to be related to the person being cared for or live with them. However, if someone else also helps care for the person, only one can claim Carer’s Allowance.
Furthermore, you won’t receive any extra payments from the benefit if you care for more than one person. To be eligible, the following must also apply:
- you normally live in England, Scotland or Wales, or you live abroad as a member of the armed forces (you might still be eligible if you’re moving to or already living in an EEA country or Switzerland)
- you’re not studying for 21 hours a week or more
- your earnings are £151 or less a week after tax, National Insurance and expenses
- you spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone
- you’re not in full-time education
- you’ve been in England, Scotland or Wales for at least 2 of the last 3 years (this does not apply if you’re a refugee or have humanitarian protection status)
- you’re 16 or over
- you’re not subject to immigration control
Other perks with Carer’s Allowance
Additional benefit payments
Claiming Carer’s Allowance may make you eligible for several other benefits, thereby increasing your income. This could include Universal Credit if you’re on a low income or unemployed, as well as Pension Credit if you’re above working age.
National Insurance Credits
If your claim for Carer’s Allowance is successful, it could unlock a host of additional benefits. For instance, you could receive National Insurance credits, which can fill any gaps in your National Insurance record and potentially enhance your pension pot.
Council tax reduction
In certain circumstances, if you’re claiming Carer’s Allowance, your local council might offer a discount on your council tax bill. However, this isn’t guaranteed as different councils have varying rules regarding who qualifies for a discount.
To learn more, it’s best to contact your local council directly.
How to apply
To apply for Carer’s Allowance, you’ll need to complete an online form. You’ll also need to have several documents ready, including your National Insurance Number and bank details.
Additionally, you’ll need information about the person you’re caring for, such as their date of birth, address, and National Insurance Number if they’re over 16. Claims can also be backdated by up to three months.
Full details on Carer’s Allowance can be found on GOV.UK here.
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