Carer's Allowance - extra money for carers
If you spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone with a disability like sight loss, you may be eligible for extra money called Carer’s Allowance.
Key facts about Carer's Allowance
Carer’s Allowance is not a means-tested benefit – so not based on your earnings. However, you are only eligible if your earnings fall under a certain capped amount.
This benefit is taxable, but only if you have other sources of taxable income such as pensions or part-time earnings, which take you over the threshold for paying tax.
Claiming Carer’s Allowance may reduce other means-tested benefits you claim. However, your money may be topped up to take your carer status into account.
Even if your income is too high for Carer’s Allowance, you may be able to get Carer’s Credit which protects your National Insurance record and state pension entitlement.
How much is Carer's Allowance?
Carer’s Allowance is paid at a rate of £83.30 per week (2025/26). This amount is reviewed every year in April.
If you live in Scotland you can now apply for a similar benefit for carers called Carer Support Payment.
Who can claim Carer’s Allowance?
You may be eligible for this benefit if the following applies to you:
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You look after someone for at least 35 hours a week.
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You don’t earn more than £196 per week (from 7 April 2025) after certain deductions including tax, national insurance and certain expenses.
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The person you care for receives a disability benefit.
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You’re aged 16 or over and not in full-time education.
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You satisfy UK residence and presence conditions.
How to claim
You can apply for Carer's Allowance online or by post. If you are applying by post you should complete a form called DS700, or DS700(SP) if you’re getting a state pension.
For more information
The charity Carers UK has a detailed factsheet on Carer’s Allowance.
You can call their helpline on 0808 808 7777 from Monday to Friday, 9am – 6pm (including Bank Holidays).
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