Carers’ benefits have risen in line with the government’s annual uprating from April 6, including Carer’s Allowance, the main benefit paid to people who look after a disabled, ill or older relative or friend. 

The weekly rate of Carer’s Allowance has increased by £3.15, rising from £83.30 to £86.45 a week from April 6 or £4,495.40 per year. 

In another key change, the earnings limit for Carer’s Allowance has also increased. Carers can now earn up to £204 a week after certain deductions and still qualify for the benefit, up from £196. This increase means more carers who combine paid work and caring responsibilities could be eligible for Carer’s Allowance, without having to cut back their hours. 

The increase follows a government decision last year to link the earnings limit to 16 times the National Living Wage (NLW), meaning the threshold will now rise in tandem with the National Living Wage.

Carers receiving support through other benefits also see payments increase from April 6. The Carer Element of Universal Credit has risen from £201.68 to £209.34 per month, and the Carer Addition for Pension Credit has increased from £46.40 to £48.15 per week.

Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK, said:

“The increase to the Carer’s Allowance earnings threshold to over £200 a week is welcome news for the many carers who are juggling paid work with caring responsibilities.

“Because the threshold has risen, some carers who previously earned too much to qualify may find they are now eligible for support. We are encouraging all carers to check their entitlement so they don’t miss out on money they could now receive.

“Even with the recent increase, Carer’s Allowance remains the lowest benefit of its kind. Nearly two-thirds of Carer’s Allowance recipients live in poverty, and the vast majority think it falls short of meeting their financial needs. Carers UK is calling for a comprehensive review of the benefit, including a reassessment of its eligibility rules, to ensure carers receive meaningful and sustainable support in the long-term.”

Notes to editors

Carers may be eligible to claim Carer’s Allowance if they:

·       look after someone for at least 35 hours a week

·       don’t earn more than £204 per week (from 6 April 2026) after certain deductions, including tax, National Insurance and expenses. For more information on allowable expenses, please see information below.

·       the person they care for receives a disability benefit

·       are aged 16 or over

·       are not in full-time education

Earnings are any income from employment and self-employment after tax, National Insurance and expenses.

Expenses can include:

·       50% of pension contributions

·       equipment to do your job, for example specialist clothing

·       travel costs between different workplaces that are not paid for by an employer

·       business costs if you’re self-employed

For more information about Carer’s Allowance and its eligibility criteria, visit https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/financial-support/carers-allowance/.