Carer's Allowance
£86.45 a week for someone who cares for another person for at least 35 hours a week. You don't have to be related to them or live with them.
Who can get it
All of these must apply (GOV.UK):
- You are 16 or over
- You spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone
- Your earnings are £204 or less a week after tax, National Insurance and expenses
- You are not in full-time education, or studying for 21 hours a week or more
- The person you care for gets a qualifying benefit, such as Attendance Allowance, the daily living part of Personal Independence Payment, or the middle or highest care rate of Disability Living Allowance
Caring can include helping with washing and cooking, taking the person to appointments, and household tasks such as bills and shopping.
In Scotland and Northern Ireland
In Scotland, Carer's Allowance has been replaced by Carer Support Payment, up to £86.45 a week, plus the Scottish Carer Supplement of £11.70 a week and £10.40 a week for each additional person you care for who gets a qualifying benefit (mygov.scot). In Northern Ireland, see nidirect.
If you don't qualify
If you care for someone for at least 20 hours a week, you may be able to get Carer's Credit, a National Insurance credit that helps protect your State Pension.
Sharing the care with a paid carer
Many family carers share the load with a carer introduced by LCH Care, for example a few hours of visits each week or overnight care so they can sleep. If you still care for at least 35 hours a week, you may still qualify for Carer's Allowance. You are also entitled to a carer's assessment from your council.
Rates and rules checked against GOV.UK and the NHS in October 2026. Benefit rates usually change each April.
More on paying for care
Questions
How much is Carer's Allowance?
£86.45 a week.
Do I have to live with the person I care for?
No. You don't have to be related to them or live with them.
Can I work and get Carer's Allowance?
Yes, if your earnings are £204 or less a week after tax, National Insurance and expenses.
Does it affect other benefits?
Carer's Allowance can affect other benefits for both you and the person you care for, so check with the benefits helpline before you claim.