Benefits for carers

Carer’s allowance, carer’s credit and universal credit (carer element) are the main benefits for unpaid carers.

Apart from carer’s credit, the benefits are means tested – to receive them, you must earn less than £110 a week after tax.

You could be eligible if you spend more than 35 hours per week caring for a relative or friend; are 16 or over; are not in full-time education; and the person you care for receives certain disability benefits.

Carer’s allowance

Carer’s allowance can be claimed online here , or you can telephone the Carers Unit on 0845 608 4321. The allowance can be backdated for up to three months.

Carer’s credit

Carer’s credit is a useful benefit, as it provides additional national insurance contributions while you are unable to work full-time because of caring responsibilities. It will help you build your entitlement to the basic state pension. If you are under state pension age, but over 16, and caring for someone for at least 20 hours a week, you could be entitled to carer’s credit. Income and savings are not taken into account when you apply for this.

If you are already getting carer’s allowance, you don’t need to apply for carer’s credit – you get it automatically. Otherwise, you can apply online here, or by phone on 0845 608 4321.

Carer’s element of universal credit

Universal credit is the single benefit which combines six existing benefits, and is gradually being rolled out to claimants. If you already receive universal credit, you may be able to get an extra amount because of your caring role, without having to apply for carer’s allowance. You cannot get both benefits. You can find more details here, or call the universal credit helpline on 0845 600 0723.