Carer’s Allowance is a benefit worth £69.70 each week to people who care for someone, in receipt of certain qualifying benefits - for at least 35 hours per week. You do not have to be related to, or live with, the person you care for to get the payment, however, if someone else also cares for the same person as you, only one of you can claim.
There are several eligibility criteria new claimants must meet, which are listed below, but one of the key points is that your earnings must be £132 or less a week after tax, National Insurance and expenses. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) says that the weekly earnings limit is designed to allow carers to combine their caring responsibilities with some paid employment where they can.
Last month, Minister for Disabled People, Chloe Smith MP, explained: “It is set at a level that aims to encourage those who give up full time work in order to undertake caring responsibilities, to maintain a link with the labour market through part time work.”
However, she added that the £132 limit, which has increased by around a third since 2010, is a net figure which is the figure left once any Income Tax, National Insurance contributions and other allowable payments and expenses are deducted from met earnings.
Which means, some people can earn more than £132 a week gross and still retain Carer’s Allowance.
Ms Smith continued: “When calculating earnings for Carer’s Allowance purposes, any amount by way of a refund of income tax is disregarded.
“Once earnings exceed £132 a week (or on a weekly average where possible for those with fluctuating earnings) then there is no longer an entitlement to Carer’s Allowance and it will cease.”
For anyone considering making a new claim for Carer’s Allowance, the DWP recently confirmed that it currently takes 37 working days to process an application from initial submission to decision letter.
Which means people living in Scotland who apply over the summer, should qualify for the next Carer’s Allowance Supplement payment of £245.70 as the qualifying date for the devolved top-up is October 11, 2022. Payments will be made in December.
Check below to make sure you’re not missing out on additional support if you provide care for a friend or family member for at least 35 hours each week.
Am I eligible for Carer’s Allowance?
You may be eligible for weekly Carer’s Allowance payments of £69.70 if you, the person you care for and the type of care you provide meets certain criteria.
You do not have to be related to, or live with, the person you care for.
The person you care for must already get one of these benefits:
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) - daily living component
Adult Disability Payment - daily living component
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) - the middle or highest care rate
Child Disability Payment - the middle or highest care rate
Attendance Allowance
Constant Attendance Allowance at or above the normal maximum rate with an Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
Constant Attendance Allowance at the basic (full day) rate with a War Disablement Pension
Armed Forces Independence Payment
Reminder: If someone else also cares for the same person as you, only one of you can claim Carer’s Allowance.
The type of care you provide
You need to spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone.
This can include:
helping with washing and cooking
taking the person you care for to a doctor’s appointment
helping with household tasks, like managing bills and shopping
Eligibility
Guidance on GOV.UK states that all of the following must apply:
You are 16 or over
You spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone
You have been in the UK for at least two of the last three years (this does not apply if you’re a refugee or have humanitarian protection status)
You are not in full-time education
You are not studying for 21 hours a week or more
You are not subject to immigration control
Your earnings are £132 or less a week after tax, National Insurance and expenses
How do I make a claim for Carer's Allowance?
You can claim online at the GOV.UK website here or phone the Carer’s Allowance Unit for a claim form on 0800 731 0297.
Before you apply make sure you have your:
National Insurance number (if you have a partner you’ll need theirs too)
Bank or building society details
Employment details and latest payslip if you’re working
P45 if you’ve recently finished work
Course details if you’re studying
Details of any expenses, for example pension contributions or the cost of caring for your children or the disabled person while you’re at work
GOV.UK guidance states that you also need details of the person you care for.
You need their:
Date of birth and address
National Insurance number if they are 16 or over
Disability Living Allowance reference if they are under 16
More help and advice about Carer's Allowance
You can get more help and advice from:
Find out more about claiming Carer’s Allowance on the Gov.uk website here.
To keep up to date with the latest benefits news, join our Money Saving Scotland Facebook group here, follow Record Money on Twitter here, or subscribe to our twice weekly newsletter here.
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