Carers Allowance (CA)

Carers Allowance is a benefit paid by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), for people who spend at least 35 hours a week looking after a disabled adult or disabled child. If you are working, you must not earn more than £128.00 a week (2021/22). Otherwise, it is not affected by income, savings or capital, and you do not have to have paid national insurance contributions.

Entitlement to Carers Allowance can trigger additional amounts in some means tested benefits (e.g. a carers element in Universal Credit).

Entitlement to Carers Allowance means that you will receive national insurance credits.

Who can claim?

You qualify if all of the following apply:

• You are aged at least 16
• You are caring for someone who is receiving:
  • Attendance Allowance (any rate)
  • either the highest or middle rate of Disability living Allowance care component
  • either rate of the daily living component of Personal Independence Payment
  • Armed Forces Independence Payment
  • Constant Attendance Allowance with an Industrial Injury Benefit or war pension
• You are providing care for at least 35 hours a week
• You are not earning more than £128.00 a week (2021/22)
• You are not a full time student
• You satisfy certain residence conditions and you are not a ‘person subject to immigration control’.

How much do you get?

£67.60 a week (2021/22)

How do you claim?

Claim on form DS700 or (DS700 (SP) if you get State Pension) This is available from www.gov.uk/carers-allowance to be downloaded and printed off. You can also claim online via www.gov.uk/carers-allowance/how-to-claim  (the quickest way is online).