Carer's Allowance & Financial Support for Unpaid Carers (2026)

Unpaid carers save the UK billions — but many miss out on financial help they're entitled to. Here's a plain-English run through Carer's Allowance and the other support you can claim.

If you look after a family member or friend, you may be able to claim money and practical help. The rules aren't always obvious, so plenty of carers never apply. This guide covers the main things worth checking. Benefit rates change each April, so always confirm the current figures on GOV.UK before you rely on them.

Carer's Allowance — the main benefit

Carer's Allowance is the main state benefit for carers. To qualify (in England, Wales and Scotland — Scotland has its own top-up, below) you generally need to:

• Care for someone at least 35 hours a week;
• Care for someone who receives a qualifying disability benefit — such as the daily-living part of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Attendance Allowance, or Disability Living Allowance (middle/highest care rate);
• Earn no more than the weekly earnings limit after allowable deductions;
• Not be in full-time education (21+ hours a week).

An important catch: Carer's Allowance overlaps with some other benefits (like the State Pension). You often can't be paid both in full — but it's still worth claiming, because an "underlying entitlement" can unlock extra amounts in other benefits like Pension Credit or Universal Credit. And claiming Carer's Allowance can affect the benefits of the person you care for (it can stop their severe disability premium), so check before you apply.

The bigger picture: what carers can claim

Carer's Allowance is only one piece. Depending on your circumstances, several of these may apply:

• Carer's Credit — National Insurance credits that protect your State Pension if you care 20+ hours a week but don't qualify for Carer's Allowance.
• Universal Credit carer element — extra money within UC for eligible carers.
• Council Tax — a live-in carer can sometimes be "disregarded", reducing the bill; low-income carers may get Council Tax Support.
• Pension Credit — carers over State Pension age may get an extra carer amount.
• Grants — charities and some councils offer one-off carer grants for breaks or equipment.

Don't forget the person you care for

Some of the biggest gains come from making sure the person you care for is claiming everything they're due — especially Attendance Allowance (for those over State Pension age) or PIP. These aren't means-tested, and they're often the gateway that makes you eligible for Carer's Allowance too. See our guides to benefits in a care home and who pays for care fees.

Nations differ

Scotland pays a Carer Support Payment (replacing Carer's Allowance) plus a twice-yearly Carer's Allowance Supplement. Northern Ireland has its own system, broadly mirroring the rest of the UK. Always use the guidance for your nation.