Carer's Allowance

Carer’s Allowance is the main benefit for carers. From April 2012 the weekly rate is £58.45

To get Carer’s Allowance you must meet all the following conditions:

1. You look after someone who gets a qualifying disability benefit.
2. You look after that person for at least 35 hours a week.
3. You are aged 16 or over.
4. You are not in full-time education.
5. You earn £100 a week or less (after deductions).
6. You satisfy UK presence and residence conditions.

Carer’s Allowance is not means-tested – in other words not based on your income or savings – but earnings may affect your entitlement. It is not based on your National Insurance record.

Carer’s Allowance is taxable but, because it is a low amount, on it's own it is below the threshold for paying tax. So you will only have to pay tax if you have other sources of taxable income such as an occupational pension or earnings.

This is a summary of the rules, however please note that if you get other certain benefits this can complicate things. This is particularly the case if you get a state pension, in which case you should read our advice to pensioners.