Carer's Allowance in 2026/27: who can claim and how it works
Published · 3 min read · Figures checked . UK rules and rates change, so check the official sources below before you act.
Carer's Allowance is a weekly payment for people who look after someone with a disability or illness for at least 35 hours a week. This guide explains the rate, the rules and how it interacts with other benefits.
Who this guide is for
This guide is general information for people in England and Wales who care for someone else. It does not cover Scotland, where Carer Support Payment is claimed instead, or Northern Ireland. It is not advice for your own situation.
The figures below are for 2026/27 and were checked on GOV.UK on 2026-10-11.
Who can get it
To qualify, you must be aged 16 or over and spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone. You do not need to be related to the person or live with them.
The person you care for must already receive a qualifying benefit. Examples listed by GOV.UK include the daily living part of Personal Independence Payment, Attendance Allowance, and the middle or highest care rate of Disability Living Allowance.
- You must not be in full-time education or study for 21 hours a week or more.
- You must have lived in England, Scotland or Wales for at least 2 of the last 3 years, with some exceptions such as refugees.
- You must normally live in England or Wales, or live abroad as a member of the armed forces.
- You must not be subject to immigration control.
- Only one carer can claim for the same person. You also cannot claim if another carer already gets Carer's Allowance, Carer Support Payment or the Universal Credit caring element for that person.
How the earnings limit works
The limit is based on what is left after tax, National Insurance and some expenses. GOV.UK lists deductible costs such as half of your pension contributions, work equipment and, in some cases, the cost of paid care for the person you look after or your children while you work. Occupational or private pension income does not count as earnings.
What it can change for other benefits
Carer's Allowance can affect benefits for both you and the person you care for.
- The person you care for may lose their severe disability premium, or the extra severe disability amount in Pension Credit. They may also lose a reduced Council Tax bill.
- If you get Universal Credit, it is reduced by the same amount as your Carer's Allowance. You may also get an extra Universal Credit amount for caring, whether or not you get Carer's Allowance.
- You get National Insurance credits for each week you are paid, which can count towards the State Pension.
- If your State Pension is £86.45 a week or more, you will not receive a Carer's Allowance payment. Your Pension Credit may rise instead.
- It is taxable income, so tax is due if your total income is over your Personal Allowance.
How to claim
You can apply online. If you cannot, you can apply by post or ask the Carer's Allowance Unit for a form. The unit's general enquiries line is 0800 731 0297, open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.
Things to have ready include your National Insurance number, bank details, recent payslip if you work, and the name, address, date of birth and National Insurance number of the person you care for. If you disagree with a decision, you can ask for a mandatory reconsideration.
Free help
Citizens Advice gives free, confidential help with benefits, and carers organisations can also help. If you are unsure how a claim would affect the person you look after, it can be worth checking before you apply.
Check before you act
Rates and rules change, usually each April. Please confirm the details on the official GOV.UK pages linked below before making a claim or a decision.
Sources
For information only. See our disclaimer and editorial standards. Spotted an error? Tell us.
