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Carer's Allowance is the main state benefit for carers so it's important to find out if you can receive it. Carer's Allowance is currently worth £53.90 a week (2010-2011 rate).
To qualify you need to meet all the rules. Please check each of the rules carefully as they are quite complicated.
- You must be 16 years old or over
- You must look after someone for at least 35 hours a week
- The person you look after must receive a qualifying disability benefit
- If you work you must not earn more than £100 (2010-2011 rate)
- You must not get one of a list of other benefits
- You must be living in the UK when you claim Carer's Allowance
- You must not be a full-time student
More detailed information on each of the rules is provided by clicking the link 'Rules for claiming Carer's Allowance' below.
Please note that Carer's Allowance is a taxable benefit. If you get no other taxable income, then you will not have to pay any tax . This is because your Carer's Allowance will amount to less than what you can receive in a year before you have to pay tax (your 'personal allowance'). However, if you receive other taxable income (such as part-time earnings or an occupational or private pension), then you should inform the tax office about your Carer's Allowance.
You may also be able to get the Carer Premium (£30.05 at 2010-11 rates) - an extra amount of money included in the calculation of Income Support, income-based Job Seekers' Allowance, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit (Rent Rebate in Northern Ireland). An amount equivalent to the Carer Premium is used to calculate Pension Credit.
If you are awarded Carer's Allowance, find out whether you qualify for the Carer Premium or its Pension Credit equivalent as you may get more money.
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Rules for claiming Carer's Allowance
Who is eligible for the main carer's benefit -
FAQ
Some common questions that carers ask us about Carer's Allowance. -
The Carer Premium
An extra amount of money included in the calculation of Income Support, income-based Job Seekers' Allowance, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit (called Rent Rebate in Northern Ireland). An equivalent amount is used in the calculation of Pension Credit.
How to claim
How to claim
If you meet the criteria, you can make a claim by filling in a claim pack DS700. Get this from:
- Your local Social Security office
- The Benefits Enquiry Line on 0800 882 200 (or 0800 220 674 in Northern Ireland)
- Carers in England, Scotland and Wales can claim online.
It can take several weeks before you receive a decision in writing. If you are told that you don't qualify for Carer's Allowance, you have one month from the date on the letter in which to appeal. If you can't get Carer's Allowance because you already get another benefit, you could still get the Carer Premium.
