Caring for a loved one is one of the most selfless roles anyone can take on. Across the UK, millions of unpaid carers look after family members, friends, or neighbours who need extra support due to illness, disability, or old age. To help recognise this vital role, the government offers Carer’s Allowance, a financial benefit that provides a small but important boost to those who dedicate their time to caring.
As of September 2025, the weekly Carer’s Allowance rate stands at £83.30. Here’s everything you need to know about how it works, who qualifies, and how to claim.
What Is Carer’s Allowance?
Carer’s Allowance is a benefit paid by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to people who spend a significant amount of time caring for someone with substantial care needs. It is not means-tested, but there are eligibility rules about your earnings, the hours you spend caring, and the benefits the person you care for receives.
The aim is simple: to provide a degree of financial recognition for the unpaid care you provide—whether that’s helping with daily tasks, managing medication, or simply being there for emotional support.
Who Can Claim Carer’s Allowance?
To receive the £83.30 weekly Carer’s Allowance in 2025, you must meet the following criteria:
- Caring Hours: You must provide care for at least 35 hours per week.
- The Person You Care For: They must be receiving a qualifying disability benefit, such as:
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP) daily living component
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA) care component (middle or higher rate)
- Attendance Allowance
- Earnings Rule: You must earn £151 or less per week (after tax, National Insurance, and expenses).
- Age & Residency: You must be aged 16 or over and normally live in the UK.
How Much Do You Get in 2025?
The current rate, set by the DWP, is £83.30 per week. Payments are typically made every four weeks (£333.20), although in some cases, you may be able to arrange weekly payments.
It’s worth noting that receiving Carer’s Allowance may affect other benefits you or the person you care for receive, such as Universal Credit or Pension Credit. However, claiming it can also open doors to other entitlements, like Carer’s Premium or Carer’s Element in Universal Credit.
How to Apply for Carer’s Allowance
The quickest way to apply is online through the official UK government website:
Apply for Carer’s Allowance on GOV.UK
You will need to provide:
- Your National Insurance number
- Bank or building society details
- Employment details (if applicable)
- Details of the person you care for (including their National Insurance number and benefits)
If you prefer, you can also apply via a paper form, which you can request from the Carer’s Allowance Unit.
Important Things to Keep in Mind
- Overlapping Benefits Rule: If you receive certain other benefits such as State Pension, you may not get Carer’s Allowance on top—but you may still qualify for extra premiums or credits.
- Taxable Benefit: Carer’s Allowance counts as taxable income, so it may affect your tax bill if you have other earnings.
- Backdating: Claims can be backdated by up to 3 months if you were eligible during that time.
- National Insurance Credits: Claiming Carer’s Allowance may help protect your future State Pension entitlement by giving you NI credits.
Why Carer’s Allowance Matters
While £83.30 a week may seem small compared to the value of unpaid care—estimated at billions of pounds annually—it provides some financial recognition and can make a difference to carers struggling with living costs. For many, it also brings peace of mind by linking them into a wider support system, such as Carer’s Premiums and other allowances.
Unpaid carers are the backbone of the UK’s care system. If you are one of them, it’s worth checking today whether you qualify for Carer’s Allowance and making sure you receive the support you’re entitled to.
✅ Official Source & More Information: UK Government – Carer’s Allowance
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much is Carer’s Allowance in 2025?
As of September 2025, the weekly rate is £83.30. Most carers receive payments every four weeks (£333.20), but in some cases, weekly payments are possible.
2. Who can claim Carer’s Allowance?
You must:
- Care for someone for at least 35 hours a week
- Earn £151 or less per week after deductions
- Be 16 or older and usually live in the UK
- Care for someone who receives a qualifying disability benefit (like PIP, DLA, or Attendance Allowance).
3. Can I work and still get Carer’s Allowance?
Yes. You can work, but your earnings must not go over £151 per week after tax, National Insurance, and expenses.
4. Will Carer’s Allowance affect other benefits?
Yes, it can. Claiming may reduce the benefits of the person you care for or your own benefits. However, it may also allow you to receive extra support, such as Carer’s Premium or Carer’s Element in Universal Credit.
5. Can I get Carer’s Allowance if I already get a State Pension?
You cannot usually be paid both at the same time because of the “overlapping benefits” rule. But you may still qualify for extra amounts in Pension Credit or other benefits.