Carer's Allowance
A weekly payment if you care for someone at least 35 hours a week and they get a qualifying disability benefit.
What you get
£86.45 a week if you qualify, from 6 April 2026 (2026 to 2027 rate). You can choose weekly in advance or every 4 weeks. You do not get paid extra if you care for more than one person. You also get National Insurance credits. It is taxable if your income is over the Personal Allowance, and it can affect other benefits you or the person you care for get. If you get a State Pension of £86.45 a week or more you will not get a Carer’s Allowance payment; if your pension is lower you may get a top-up to make up the difference. As of 6 April 2026, from GOV.UK and the official DWP rates. If you live in Scotland, apply for Carer Support Payment instead.
Who can get it
You must be 16 or over, spend at least 35 hours a week caring, not be in full-time education or studying for 21 hours a week or more, and have earnings of £204 or less a week after tax, National Insurance and allowed expenses (2026 to 2027 earnings limit). The person you care for must already get a qualifying benefit, including the daily living component of PIP or Adult Disability Payment (standard or enhanced), DLA or Child Disability Payment at the middle or highest care rate, Attendance Allowance, Pension Age Disability Payment, Scottish Adult DLA at the middle or highest care rate, or certain Constant Attendance Allowance or Armed Forces Independence Payment awards. Only one carer can be paid for the same person.
How to apply
Apply on GOV.UK, or through nidirect in Northern Ireland. In Scotland apply for Carer Support Payment.