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GrantEnglandWalesNorthern Ireland

Carer's Allowance

Department for Work and Pensions (Department for Communities in Northern Ireland)

Description

The main benefit for unpaid carers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland who spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone receiving a qualifying disability benefit such as PIP, DLA, or Attendance Allowance. Pays £86.45 a week (2026/27 rate) provided your own net earnings stay under the weekly threshold — going even £1 over loses the whole week's award. Receiving it can reduce the disabled person's own means-tested benefits via the 'severe disability premium', so it's worth checking that interaction before claiming.

Amount

£86.45/week (2026/27 rate, verified against the official DWP benefit and pension rates table)

Deadline

Rolling / no fixed deadline

Eligibility summary

  • Available in: England, Wales, Northern Ireland.
  • Open to individuals — not restricted to businesses.
Notes
Scotland replaced Carer's Allowance with Carer Support Payment (rollout complete since spring 2025) — see the separate entry; do not surface this DWP scheme to Scottish residents. Receiving Carer's Allowance can reduce the disabled person's own means-tested benefits via the 'severe disability premium' — check the interaction before claiming.
Requirement
Care for someone 35+ hours/week who receives a qualifying disability benefit (e.g. the daily living component of PIP, the middle/highest care rate of DLA, or Attendance Allowance); carer must not be in full-time education (21+ hours/week) and must earn under the earnings threshold after allowable deductions.
Earnings threshold
£204/week net earnings threshold (2026/27) — now permanently indexed to 16 hours × the National Living Wage, so it rises automatically each year rather than being reset ad hoc. Going even £1 over the threshold loses the full week's award (a longstanding 'cliff-edge' criticised by carers' charities).

Want help with this application?

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You can also do this yourself for free via the official source

How to apply

Apply online via gov.uk, by phone, or by post; you'll need details of the person you care for and their qualifying benefit.

View official source

Last verified: 1 August 2026. See the footer disclaimer — this is general information, not financial or tax advice.