If you are contacted by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), this is likely to be by post. You do not need to contact them in advance; this will happen automatically if you are affected by the Carer's Allowance overpayments reassessments exercise. 

You will receive an explanation of next steps in the DWP letter. It is a good idea to provide more information if asked as the review could have a favourable outcome. Even if they find that you owe more money as a result of this overpayment, you will not be asked to pay more. Let them know if you have problems or need more time to provide the information.

You can also turn to a local Citizens Advice or another local advice agency for further support and help.

If you require braille, British Sign Language, a hearing loop, translations, large print, Easy Read, audio or something else, please contact the DWP: [email protected]

If you use Relay UK dial 18001 followed by the Carer's Allowance Unit's phone number which is: 0800 731 0297

You can also write to the Carer's Allowance Unit at: Freepost DWP Carers Allowance Unit

In Northern Ireland

You can request the format you require from:

Carer’s Allowance
Disability and Carers Service
Mail Opening Unit
PO Box 42
Limavady
BT49 4AN:

Phone: 0800 587 0912
Textphone number: 0800 012 1574  (If you are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus, or have speech difficulties)

You can use British Sign Language (BSL) or Irish Sign Language (ISL) to contact Disability and Carers Service

To use the video relay service:

• Check that you can use the BSL video relay service
• Check that you can use the ISL video relay service
• Contact Disability and Carers Service via the video relay service 
• The interpreter will check whether you require BSL or ISL

This service is for Northern Ireland residents only.

After considering your case, the DWP will come to a decision about whether the overpayment decision they made was correct. They will send you a letter letting you know their decision.

This process may take some time. If the  decision letter isn't clear or you disagree with the way they have reached the decision, contact a trustworthy advice agency for support.

If you do disagree, you (or someone who has the authority to act on your behalf) can phone or write to the DWP within one month of the date of the letter you receive.

1/ We outline the steps to challenge a benefits decision on our website: Your guide to challenging a benefits decision | Carers UK

2/ Once the decision has been reviewed and you've received two copies of the Mandatory Reconsideration Notice, you have the option to appeal to a tribunal if you still disagree.

We recommend that you contact a local advice agency who can look at the facts of your case, discuss the merits of an appeal and may be able to support you through the process. You can search for a local benefits advice agency via Advicelocal.

If you’re claiming Carer’s Allowance, you need to make sure you notify the Carer's Allowance Unit or the Disability and Carers Service (in Northern Ireland) of any changes to your circumstances that would affect how much you receive.

Carer’s Allowance is worth £86.45 per week (from April 2026/27). One of the conditions for claiming the benefit is the earnings limit. You need to ensure that you don’t earn more than £204 per week (from 6 April 2026/27) after allowable deductions. See our webpage for more information about the earnings limit: Carer’s Allowance and the earnings limit | Carers UK.

Notify them online or call 0800 731 0297 (textphone: 0800 731 0317). In Northern Ireland, contact the Disability and Carers Service on 0800 587 0912 (textphone: 0800 012 1574) or online.

Don’t assume that if you’ve told another government department, the council, the trust, or HMRC that this information will be passed on.

Changes in circumstances don't just include your earnings. For example, they can include that:

• your income or employment has changed
• you start work, regardless of how much you will be earning
• you’re taking a break from caring or travelling abroad
• the person you’re looking after is going into hospital or residential care
• the person you’re looking after has passed away.

For more information about reporting a change in circumstances, visit the gov.uk website: Carer's Allowance: report changes - GOV.UK

Keep a record that you have reported a change in your circumstances such as an email receipt, a note of your telephone contact and copies of any correspondence.