Benefits for carers

This information is for adults who care for another adult. Other support is available for carers who are under 18, and adults who care for children.

What financial help is available for carers?

As a carer, you can get an assessment of your support needs. Each nation has its own system of assessment. You can also apply for financial support, like Carer’s Allowance and Carer’s Credit.

On this page:

1. Carer's assessment
2. Financial support

1. Carer’s assessment

Arrangements for assessing, providing and making support payments vary across the UK. Read information about each nation:

England  Wales  Scotland  Northern Ireland

When you have the assessment, make sure it is clear how much you do for the person you care for.

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2. Financial support

If you look after someone with caring needs you may be entitled to

• Carer’s Allowance – and – in Scotland only – Carer’s Allowance Supplement
• Carer’s Credit
• Other benefits, including respite care

Carer’s Allowance

This is the main benefit available for carers across the UK. You may be eligible if you care for someone with substantial caring needs for 35 hours a week or more. You do not have to live with or be related to the person you care for. Your eligibility is based on your circumstances, such as:

• your age
• whether you work and what you earn
• whether you get other benefits

If you get the state pension, get specialist advice before you apply for Carer’s Allowance, as the two benefits can’t be paid at the same time. Our helpline can advise you about this. Call 03000 030 555.

It also takes into account the benefits the person you are caring for receives. The person you care for must already get one of these benefits:

• Personal Independence Payment (PIP) daily living component
• Disability Living Allowance (DLA) at the middle or highest care rate
• Attendance Allowance (AA)

Carer’s Allowance is non-contributory and non-means-tested. But any means-tested benefits you do get will be reduced by the same amount you get from Carer’s Allowance.

Carer’s Allowance Supplement in Scotland

Carer’s Allowance Supplement is an extra payment for people living in Scotland who are getting Carer’s Allowance on a set date. It’s paid 2 times a year.

In 2019, the qualifying dates are Monday 15 April and Monday 14 October.

You’ll get a letter from Social Security Scotland if you’re due to get this payment.

Carer’s Credit

You could also get Carer’s Credit if you care for someone for at least 20 hours a week. You cannot claim if you’re already claiming Carer’s Allowance.

Carer’s Credit is a national insurance credit. So if you have to stop work due to your caring responsibilities, contributions will still be paid. This means you can take on caring responsibilities without affecting your ability to qualify for the state pension.

I got a payment to go towards a hobby Les

Les looks after his wife Ann full-time

My caring role started when Ann had breast cancer five-and-a-half years ago. Later she was also diagnosed with COPD.

I had a carers’ assessment three years ago – it was quite straightforward. I’m now on the county council’s carers’ register and I have a card in my wallet, so that if anything happens to me while I’m out, people will know Ann’s at home and needs help.

I also got a one-off payment of £130 for my hobby. I had a couple of days out fishing.

We joined our local Breathe Easy group, which is fantastic.

A lady from the Carers’ Federation talked to us about entitlements. We had no idea Ann could claim attendance allowance, but afterwards, we asked the local council.

Someone from the council came to talk to us and filled in the claim. He was very helpful. We heard just two weeks later that Ann was entitled to attendance allowance at the higher rate.

We’re reasonably comfortable, but the extra money makes a real difference.

We get some respite care through Oddfellows. We’ve had some two-week respite breaks at a really nice convalescence home.

Next: Top-up benefits >