Carer's Allowance (CA)

A payment if you spend a lot of time caring for someone who gets certain disability benefits. Scotland has Carer Support Payment instead for most new claims.

How much you could get

There is a weekly earnings limit. Confirm the current rate on GOV.UK.

Figures below are for the 2026/27 tax year.

Weekly rate: £86.45

Check the current amount on the official page.

Who can claim

You usually need to be 16 or over, spend at least 35 hours a week caring, not be in full-time education, and earn below the weekly earnings limit. The person you care for must get a qualifying disability benefit.

Eligibility conditions

These are the structured conditions Benefit Badger uses in the eligibility check. They are a guide, not a decision.

• You live in the UK.
• You live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.
• You are 16 or over.
• You care for someone for a substantial number of hours.

Check if Carer's Allowance may apply to you

It usually takes about 5 minutes. You do not need to create an account. This is guidance, not a government decision.

When it may not apply

You may not get Carer's Allowance if you earn above the limit, study full time, or already get an overlapping benefit of the same amount or more. Scotland residents should check Carer Support Payment.

Where you live

Carer's Allowance applies in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

If you live in Scotland, see Carer Support Payment.

Browse benefits in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, or the A–Z list.

Does Carer’s Allowance affect Universal Credit?

Carer’s Allowance is an overlapping benefit. If you get Universal Credit, Carer’s Allowance is usually deducted from it, but the carer element of Universal Credit can still mean you are better off overall. GOV.UK’s calculator is the honest way to see the net effect.

You cannot usually be paid Carer’s Allowance and another income-replacement benefit of the same amount or more in full. The official overlapping-benefit rules list what is adjusted. In Scotland, new claims are usually Carer Support Payment rather than Carer’s Allowance.

How to claim

1. Check that the person you care for gets a qualifying benefit. Carer’s Allowance depends on their disability benefit as well as your hours and earnings. The qualifying list is on GOV.UK. Official page
2. Claim online on GOV.UK. Most claims in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are made online. Scotland has Carer Support Payment for most new claims. Official page
3. Watch the weekly earnings limit. Paid work above the current earnings limit can stop the payment even if you still care for 35 hours. Confirm the live figure on GOV.UK before you apply.
4. Understand overlapping benefits. Carer’s Allowance can reduce other income-replacement benefits. The official page explains what is adjusted. A Universal Credit claim may still be worth checking.

Official sources

• Carer's Allowance — GOV.UK (primary source)

Related benefits

• Carer Support Payment

See all carers benefits.

What else you might claim

• What else can I claim as a carer?

Source: Department for Work and Pensions. This page is guidance from an independent service, not a government decision. Only the relevant government department can confirm eligibility and make a payment.

Check if this may apply to you

It usually takes about 5 minutes. You do not need to create an account. This is guidance, not a government decision.