You might not think of yourself as a carer. But you probably are if you're looking after someone regularly, including your spouse or a family member, because they're ill or disabled.
As a carer, you may be entitled to one or more state benefits to help you with the costs.
Carer's Allowance
What it is
Carer's Allowance is the main state benefit for carers. It's £81.90 a week.
You can get it if
You look after someone for at least 35 hours a week.
You cannot get it if
You get more than £81.90 a week from some other benefits. But it's still worth applying as you may have what's called an underlying entitlement to Carer's Allowance. This can help increase other benefits you're getting.
Find out more
What it is
A National Insurance (NI) contribution to help make sure you do not lose out on some social security benefits, such as the State Pension, because of gaps in your NI record.
You can get it if
You look after someone for at least 20 hours a week and you do not get Carer's Allowance.
Find out more
What it is
An allowance you get on top of some benefits.
You can get it if
You already get a benefit, such as Income Support or Housing Benefit.
How to claim Carer Premium
Ask about it at your local Jobcentre Plus or Jobs and Benefits Office.
Disability Living Allowance for children
What it is
An allowance to help with the extra costs of looking after a child under 16 years old with a disability. It's between £28.70 and £184.30 a week.
You can get it if
You're the parent or carer of a disabled child.
Find out more
Check if you're entitled to Carer's Allowance and other benefits with the entitled to benefits calculator.
As a carer, you may be eligible for support from your local council. Before you receive any help from your local council, you need to have a carer's assessment.
Find out how to get a carer's assessment
Get help and advice
Get expert benefits advice, plus help filling in claim forms, from:
- Carers UK helpline on 0808 808 7777
- Carers Direct helpline on 0300 123 1053
- Age UK on 0800 678 1602
- Citizens Advice on 0800 144 8848
- Gingerbread (for single parents) on 0808 802 0925
- Family Rights Group on 0808 801 0366
How to challenge a benefits decision
You can challenge a benefits decision if:
- your benefit payment is stopped
- your claim for a benefit is refused
You can find out how to challenge a benefits decision on the Carers UK website
11 April 2024
