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Eligibility · Carer's Allowance

Am I eligible for Carer's Allowance?

In short. You may qualify for Carer's Allowance (£83.30/week, 2025/26) if you spend 35+ hours a week caring for someone on a qualifying disability benefit. From April 2025 you can earn up to £196 a week after tax/NI and certain deductions while claiming.

Carer's Allowance is a working-age benefit. From April 2024 the earnings limit was eased; it rose again in April 2025 to £196/week. The overlapping-benefits rule is the most common trap — you can't be paid Carer's Allowance and certain other benefits in full at the same time.

Last reviewed:

·Amount: £83.30 per week (2025/26)

You likely qualify if…

  • You're 16+
  • You spend 35+ hours a week caring for someone receiving a qualifying disability benefit (PIP daily living, DLA middle/highest care, AA, ADP daily living)
  • Your earnings after tax/NI and certain deductions are £196/week or less (2025/26)
  • You're not in full-time education (21+ hours/week)
  • You meet the residence and presence tests

You likely don't if…

  • You earn more than £196/week (2025/26) after allowable deductions
  • You're in full-time education (21+ hours)
  • You don't yet care for 35+ hours a week
  • The person you care for isn't on a qualifying disability benefit

How to check and claim

  1. 01The official eligibility checker is at gov.uk/carers-allowance
  2. 02Applications are made online at gov.uk/carers-allowance or by paper form DS700
  3. 03The overlapping-benefits rules can reduce Carer's Allowance to nil where another qualifying benefit is in payment — full details are on gov.uk

FAQ

What is the overlapping-benefits rule?
You can't be paid Carer's Allowance in full alongside certain other benefits (State Pension, contributory ESA, JSA, widows' benefits). You can have an 'underlying entitlement' though, which can increase a means-tested benefit like Pension Credit.
Has the earnings limit really changed?
Yes — from April 2024 the weekly earnings limit was significantly increased, and it rose again in April 2025 to £196/week (linked to 16x National Living Wage at age 21+). The Carers Trust and government websites have the latest figures.
Can the person I care for get a Carer Element via UC?
If you claim UC, you can get a 'carer element' (£204.91/month 2025/26) without claiming Carer's Allowance — useful if Carer's Allowance would be reduced by another benefit.
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