Carer's Allowance

You may be able to claim Carer's Allowance if you spend at least 35 hours a week caring.

Man and woman filling in form together

  • You could get Carer's Allowance if you care for someone at least 35 hours a week and they get certain benefits.
  • You don’t have to be related to, or live with, the person you care for.
  • You won’t be paid extra if you care for more than one person.
  • Carer’s Allowance can affect the other benefits that you and the person you care for get. 
  • You can claim Carer's Allowance anywhere in the UK, but some of the rules are different if you claim Carer's Allowance in Northern Ireland.

Carer premium

You may be able to get extra money added to your existing benefits or credits if you claim Carer's Allowance (or have an underlying entitlement to it). 

This is called the carer premium. This is part of the calculation that works out how much money you are entitled to and it is added to the other amounts.

Carer’s Allowance Supplement in Scotland 

Carer's Allowance Supplement is an extra payment for people in Scotland who get Carer's Allowance on a particular date. It is paid as a lump sum twice a year.

If you're due to get a payment, you'll get a letter from Social Security Scotland before the payment is made.

Further information on Carer's Allowance and carer premium

Contact your local carer service to get advice on benefits you may be able to claim. You can also find lots of information on these websites:

These websites have information about:

  • Who can claim Carer's Allowance.
  • Other benefits you could claim if you are claiming Carer's Allowance.
  • How it affects other benefits.
  • Carer premium.