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Benefits for carers

You might not think of yourself as a carer. But you probably are if you're looking after someone regularly, including your spouse or a family member, because they're ill or disabled.

As a carer, you may be entitled to one or more state benefits to help you with the costs.

Carer's Allowance

What it is

Carer's Allowance is the main state benefit for carers. It's £67.25 a week.

You can get it if

You look after someone for more than 35 hours a week.

You cannot get it if

You get more than £67.25 a week from some other benefits. But it's still worth applying as you may have what's called an underlying entitlement to Carer's Allowance. This can help increase other benefits you're getting.

Carer's Credit

What it is

A National Insurance (NI) contribution to help make sure you do not lose out on some social security benefits, such as the State Pension, because of gaps in your NI record.

You can get it if

You look after someone for more than 20 hours a week and you do not get Carer's Allowance.

Carer Premium

What it is

An allowance you get on top of some benefits.

You can get it if

You already get a benefit, such as Income Support or Housing Benefit.

How to claim Carer Premium

Ask about it at your local Jobcentre Plus or Jobs and Benefits Office.

Disability Living Allowance for children

What it is

Between £23.60 and £151.40 a week.

You can get it if

You're the parent carer of a disabled child.

Check what benefits you can get

Check if you're entitled to Carer's Allowance and other benefits with the entitled to benefits calculator.

Get a carer's assessment

As a carer, you may be eligible for support from your local council. Before you receive any help from your local council, you need to have a carer's assessment.

Find out how to get a carer's assessment

Get help and advice

Get expert benefits advice, plus help filling in claim forms, from:

How to challenge a benefit decision

You can challenge a benefit decision if:

  • your benefit payment is stopped
  • your claim for a benefit is refused

You can find out how to challenge a benefit decision on the Carers UK website

Page last reviewed: 25 March 2021
Next review due: 25 March 2024