Carer's Allowance
How to claim Carer's Allowance for parents and carers
Eligibility
You can claim Carer's Allowance if:
- You care for a child receiving middle or highest rate DLA/CDP care component
- You spend at least 35 hours per week caring
- You earn £196 or less per week after deductions (2025)
- You're 16 or over
- Not in full-time education (21+ hours/week)
Note: Only one person can claim per child. In Scotland, this is called Carer Support Payment with additional supplements.
Impact on Other Benefits
Carer's Allowance can:
- Add premiums to Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Support
- Protect your National Insurance record
- Exempt you from work search requirements in UC
Warning: May reduce means-tested benefits for the disabled person if they're an adult. Always check with a benefits adviser before claiming.
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