The DWP pays out hundreds of pounds a month to people who provide care for someone else
If you’re providing care for a certain number of hours, you could be entitled to up to £3,924 a year. Carer’s Allowance is a benefit designed to provide an income to people who are caring for another person whilst also claiming specific benefits.
The allowance can be paid either weekly or every four weeks at a rate of £83.30 and may also offer additional perks if you’re not in employment. The type of care that qualifies someone for Carer’s Allowance can vary, but it can include tasks such as assisting with general household chores like shopping, washing and cooking for someone, or even accompanying the person being cared for to a doctor’s appointment.
Furthermore, you could be eligible for a wide array of support that goes beyond cash payments. For example, you could get contributions towards your retirement or even a reduction to your council tax.
Eligibility for Carer’s Allowance
To claim Carer’s Allowance, you must be providing care for someone for at least 35 hours a week. Additionally, the person being cared for must also be receiving certain benefits, including:
- Personal Independence Payment – daily living component
- Disability Living Allowance – the middle or highest care rate
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Adult Disability Payment – daily living component at the standard or enhanced rate
- Constant Attendance Allowance at or above the normal maximum rate with an Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
- Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance – the middle or highest care rate
- Constant Attendance Allowance at the basic (full day) rate with a War Disablement Pension
- Child Disability Payment – the middle or highest care rate
- Pension Age Disability Payment
- Attendance Allowance
It’s important to note that you do not have to be related to the person being cared for or live with them. However, if someone else also helps care for the person, only one can claim Carer’s Allowance.
Moreover, you won’t receive any extra payments from the benefit if you care for more than one person. To be eligible, the following must also apply:
- Your earnings are £151 or less a week after tax, National Insurance and expenses
- You’re not in full-time education
- You spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone
- You’re 16 or over
- you’re not studying for 21 hours a week or more
- You’ve been in England, Scotland or Wales for at least 2 of the last 3 years (this does not apply if you’re a refugee or have humanitarian protection status)
- You’re not subject to immigration control
- You normally live in England, Scotland or Wales, or you live abroad as a member of the armed forces (you might still be eligible if You’re moving to or already living in an EEA country or Switzerland)
Other perks with Carer’s Allowance
Additional benefit payments
Claiming Carer’s Allowance could potentially make you eligible for a range of other benefits, thus increasing your overall income. This might include Universal Credit if you’re on a low income or out of work, as well as Pension Credit if you’re above the working age.
National Insurance Credits
If your application for Carer’s Allowance is successful, it could open up access to a variety of additional benefits. For example, you might be entitled to National Insurance credits, which can fill any gaps in your National Insurance record and possibly boost your pension pot.
Council tax reduction
Under certain conditions, if you’re claiming Carer’s Allowance, your local council may offer a discount on your council tax bill. However, this isn’t a given as different councils have diverse rules about who qualifies for a discount.
To find out more, it’s advisable to get in touch with your local council directly.
How to apply
To apply for Carer’s Allowance, you’ll need to fill out an online form. You’ll also need to have several documents at hand, including your National Insurance Number and bank details.
Furthermore, you’ll need information about the person you’re caring for, such as their date of birth, address, and National Insurance Number if they’re over 16. Claims can also be backdated by up to three months.
Full details on Carer’s Allowance can be found on GOV.UK here.
