Quick answer: If you spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone who gets certain disability benefits, you may be able to claim Carer's Allowance (Carer Support Payment in Scotland). There is an earnings limit and rules about education and other benefits. You can also ask your local council for a free carer's assessment, and you may be entitled to Carer's Credit, unpaid carer's leave and flexible working.
Are you a carer?
Many people who help a partner, parent, child or friend with arthritis do not think of themselves as carers. If you regularly help someone with things like washing, dressing, cooking, getting about, managing medicines or emotional support because of their health, you are a carer. Recognising this can open the door to support for you as well as them. Our guides to supporting a partner with arthritis and adult children as carers cover the emotional side.
Carer's Allowance (England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
Carer's Allowance is the main benefit for carers. You may be eligible if all of the following apply:
- You care for someone for at least 35 hours a week. This can include time spent on practical help, supervision and keeping them company where needed.
- The person you care for receives a qualifying disability benefit, such as the daily living part of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Attendance Allowance, or the middle or highest care rate of Disability Living Allowance.
- You are 16 or over and not in full-time education.
- Your earnings, after certain deductions, are below the weekly earnings limit.
- You meet residence rules.
The weekly rate and earnings limit change each April, so check GOV.UK for current figures. You do not need to live with the person you care for or be related to them. Only one person can claim Carer's Allowance for the same person.
Things to check before claiming
- Claiming Carer's Allowance can affect the benefits of the person you care for. For example, they may lose the severe disability premium or an equivalent amount in some means-tested benefits. Get advice first.
- If you receive the State Pension or certain other benefits, you may not be paid Carer's Allowance because of overlapping benefit rules, but you may still have an "underlying entitlement" that can increase means-tested help such as Pension Credit.
- Report changes in your earnings or circumstances promptly to avoid overpayments. Going even slightly over the earnings limit can affect your entitlement.
Carer Support Payment (Scotland)
In Scotland, Carer's Allowance has been replaced by Carer Support Payment, run by Social Security Scotland. The eligibility rules are similar, but it is open to some carers in full-time education. Scotland also has additional support, such as the Carer's Allowance Supplement, which is paid automatically to eligible carers. Check mygov.scot for details.
Other financial help
- Carer's Credit protects your National Insurance record if you care for someone for at least 20 hours a week but do not get Carer's Allowance.
- Universal Credit carer element is an extra amount if you claim Universal Credit and care for someone for at least 35 hours a week.
- Carer premium or addition can be added to some other means-tested benefits, such as Pension Credit.
- Council Tax reductions may be available in some circumstances, for example if the person you care for needs an extra room or adaptations.
- PIP or Attendance Allowance for the person you care for is often the key that unlocks Carer's Allowance. See our benefits and PIP hub.
A benefits check with Citizens Advice or an online benefits calculator can help you see everything you might be entitled to.
A carer's assessment
Anyone who provides care to another adult is entitled to a free carer's assessment from their local council's adult social care team, regardless of income or how much care you provide. It looks at how caring affects your life, including your health, work, relationships and free time, and what support could help. This might include respite breaks, equipment, help at home, or a direct payment to arrange support. Our guide to carer's assessments explains the process in more detail. The person you care for can also have a needs assessment.
Your rights at work
- Flexible working: all employees have the right to request flexible working from their first day in a job. Employers must consider requests reasonably.
- Carer's leave: employees in England, Scotland and Wales who care for a dependant with a long-term care need have a right to a period of unpaid carer's leave each year.
- Time off for emergencies: you have the right to reasonable unpaid time off to deal with an emergency involving a dependant.
- Protection from discrimination: the Equality Act protects you from being treated unfairly because of your association with a disabled person.
Looking after yourself
Caring can be rewarding, but it can also be tiring and isolating. Carer burnout is common, so it is important to notice the warning signs and ask for help early. Our guide to carer burnout has practical ideas. Tell your GP that you are a carer, as many practices keep a carers register and can offer health checks, flexible appointments and flu vaccination. Local carers' centres offer advice, peer support and breaks.
Where to get advice
- GOV.UK for Carer's Allowance and Carer's Credit in England and Wales.
- nidirect for carers in Northern Ireland.
- mygov.scot and Social Security Scotland for Carer Support Payment.
- Citizens Advice for benefits checks and help with forms.
- Your local council for carer's assessments and local support.
Making a claim: practical tips
- Claim as soon as you think you might be eligible. Carer's Allowance can usually only be backdated for a limited period.
- If the person you care for has just claimed PIP or Attendance Allowance, you can apply for Carer's Allowance while you wait for their decision, then let the Carer's Allowance Unit know when it comes through.
- Keep copies of everything you send and a note of phone calls.
- If you are refused, you can ask for a mandatory reconsideration and then appeal. Citizens Advice can help.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get Carer's Allowance if I work?
Yes, as long as your earnings after certain deductions are below the weekly earnings limit and you still provide at least 35 hours of care a week.
Do I have to live with the person I care for?
No. You do not need to live with them or be related to them.
Can I get Carer's Allowance and State Pension?
Usually you cannot be paid both in full, but you may have an underlying entitlement to Carer's Allowance that can increase other benefits such as Pension Credit.
What is a carer's assessment?
A free assessment from your local council that looks at how caring affects you and what support could help, such as breaks or equipment.
Is Carer's Allowance different in Scotland?
Yes. In Scotland it has been replaced by Carer Support Payment, managed by Social Security Scotland, with similar rules and some extra support.
Sources and further reading
- GOV.UK: Carer's Allowance
- GOV.UK: Carer's Credit
- mygov.scot: Carer Support Payment
- nidirect: Carer's Allowance
- NHS: Carer's assessments
This guide is for general education and is not a substitute for personal medical advice. Everyone's situation is different, so always follow the advice of your own GP, pharmacist or rheumatology team. If you feel very unwell, call 999 or go to A&E. For urgent advice, contact NHS 111.