Carer’s Allowance: a guide for carers in the United Kingdom

Data from the survey shows that most individuals in the UK engage themselves in providing care to their relatives or friends who require assistance because of sickness, disability, or old age.

In recognition and support for these carers, the UK government provides a carer’s Allowance as a weekly financial supplement to assist with the expenses incurred by a carer and the various sacrifices that are made.

Here, we’ll discuss what is carer’s allowance, how you can get it, and what you need to do to apply for it. 

What is carer’s allowance?

A carer’s allowance is a weekly financial benefit that is paid by the government for those who care for someone who requires substantial assistance because of sickness, disability, or old age.

This allowance is expected to help those carers who spend considerable time financing care for another individual, to be paid some amount of money for their services.

How it works

Eligibility: 

Applicants for a carer’s allowance must financially support an individual like a relative or friend who is receiving certain state benefits like Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, or Personal Independence Payment.

This particular person requires your care for not less than 35 hours in any given week. 

Relationship: 

You can be a friend or an acquaintance of the older person you are caring for or even a stranger who has been hired to care for the person. 

Multiple care: 

If you look after more than one person, you will not be paid any additional money. Carer’s Allowance can only be claimed by one person for the same person in need of care. 

Impact on other benefits: 

A carer’s allowance can impact other benefits you or the person you care for may be deserving. Besides, if your income exceeds the personal allowance starting amount, you have to pay tax on it.

How much is carer’s allowance?

As of the current rates, you could get £81.90 a week if you meet the eligibility criteria. This amount is subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to check the latest rates.

Can I get carer’s allowance?

To be eligible for Carer’s Allowance, you must:

• Care ours: Spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone who receives certain benefits.
• Income: Your income must not exceed a certain threshold. However, unlike in Ireland, there is no specific means test for Carer’s Allowance in the UK.
• Other benefits: You cannot get Carer’s Allowance if you receive certain other benefits, such as the state pension or certain types of jobseeker’s allowance.

How to claim carer’s allowance

To be eligible for Carer’s Allowance, you must:

• Care hours: Spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone who receives certain benefits.
• Income: You have to earn less than a particular amount to qualify to be a beneficiary. It is important to note, that unlike in Ireland, there isn’t as precise means test applicable to Carer’s Allowance in the United Kingdom. 

How to claim carer’s allowance

To claim Carer’s Allowance in the UK, follow these steps:

Step 1: check eligibility 

Before applying, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria: 

• Age: You need to be 16+ to use the site. 
• Care hours: To claim the carer’s allowance you must provide care for at least 35 hours a week to someone who receives one or more of the following benefits: Attendance Allowance Disability Living Allowance Personal Independence Payment. 
• Education: These people can apply for a loan if they are not full-time students which means they do not spend 21 hours or more in study. 
• Income: There will also be a limit on how much money you make but it is not a strict income requirement. 

Step 2: assemble all the necessary facts 

Make sure you have the following details: 

• National insurance number: Your own and your partners if any. 
• Bank or building society details: Unless of course, you are willing to be paid on a different basis other than cash. 

Details of the person you care for benefits such as national insurance number as well as the benefits to which they are entitled, among others. 

Step 3: choosing the application method 

You can apply for Carer’s Allowance in several ways: 

• Online application: You can download the application form from the UK government site or you can complete it online. 
• Phone application: To apply for Carer’s Allowance the Carer’s Allowance Unit should be contacted to obtain a claim form or for further help by phone. 
• Paper application: You can request a paper application form (DS700) and submit it by post.

Once you have gathered all the necessary information, submit your application.

If you are applying online, you will need to fill in the form and submit it electronically.

If you are using a paper form, ensure it is completed accurately and sent to the correct address.

Step 4: report changes and manage your claim

After your application is processed and you start receiving Carer’s Allowance, you will need to report any changes in your circumstances.

You can manage your claim and report changes online or by contacting the Carer’s Allowance Unit.

What is the difference between carer payment and carer allowance?

Carer allowance in the United Kingdom

• Purpose: In the UK, a Carer’s Allowance is a weekly benefit paid to those individuals who are caring for someone in need of care and that person gets specific benefits like Attendance allowance, Disability living allowance, or Personal independent payment.
• Eligibility: However, to be eligible to receive direct care, you have to use the services of the person for not less than 35 hours per week.
• Amount: The current rate is £81.90 per week.

Carer payment in Australia

• Purpose: In Australia, Carer Payment is a kind of another type of support. It is a fortnightly payment for people who attend to a person with a disability, an illness, or a frail aged person in need of their constant care and support.
• Eligibility: As to the conditions of eligibility, one has to be constantly caring and paying attention, and the amount of payment depends on the means.
• Amount: It will be up to $1,064 each fortnight for those single and more for couples.

Key differences

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Can I check my carer’s allowance online?

Yes, you can manage your Carer’s Allowance online through the UK government’s website.

You can check your payments, report changes in your circumstances, and update your details online.

Can I get carer’s allowance if I get universal credit?

If you are receiving Universal Credit, you can still claim Carer’s Allowance.

However, the amount of Universal Credit you receive may be reduced because of the Carer’s Allowance.

It’s always a good idea to check how your benefits will be affected before applying.

Final words

Carer’s Allowance is a vital support for individuals in the UK who dedicate their time and effort to caring for others.

By understanding the eligibility criteria, application process, and how it interacts with other benefits, carers can ensure they receive the financial support they need.

Enjoyed this article? Then also read – A complete guide to income support in the UK: eligibility, rates, and how to apply