The Carer’s Allowance, provided by the UK government through the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), offers financial support to those who dedicate significant time to caring for someone with substantial care needs.
This allowance is crucial in recognizing the vital role that carers play and helping to alleviate some of the financial pressures they face.
In 2024, eligible carers can receive additional payments, and understanding the criteria and application process is essential for those who qualify.
What is Carer’s Allowance?
Carer’s Allowance is a weekly benefit aimed at helping individuals who care for someone with substantial care needs. The allowance is paid directly into the carer’s bank account, either weekly or every four weeks, depending on the carer’s preference.
The payment amount is reviewed annually and adjusted as needed. For 2024, the first payment of £288.60 was made in June, and a second payment of the same amount is scheduled for December.
Eligibility Criteria for Carer’s Allowance
To qualify for the Carer’s Allowance, applicants must meet specific criteria to ensure the support reaches those who need it most:
- Caring Hours: You must spend at least 35 hours per week caring for someone.
- Location: Your eligibility is based on your residency in England, Scotland, or Wales, regardless of where the person you care for lives.
- Earnings Limit: You must earn less than £139 per week after tax and allowable expenses.
- Pension: If you receive a pension, it must be less than £81.90 per week to be eligible for the allowance.
- Age: You must be at least 16 years old.
- Education: You should not be in full-time education or studying for 21 hours or more per week.
- Immigration Control: You must not be subject to immigration control.
- Residency: You must have lived in England, Scotland, or Wales for at least 2 of the last 3 years and normally reside in one of these countries.
The Person You Care For
The person you care for must already be receiving one of the following benefits for you to qualify for Carer’s Allowance:
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP): Daily living component
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA): Middle or highest care rate
- Attendance Allowance
- Constant Attendance Allowance: At or above the normal maximum rate with an Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
- Constant Attendance Allowance: At the basic (full day) rate with a War Disablement Pension
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Child Disability Payment: Middle or highest care rate
- Adult Disability Payment: Daily living component at the standard or enhanced rate
Payment Amount and Schedule
The first Carer’s Allowance Supplement payment for 2024 was £288.60, distributed in June. The next payment of the same amount is scheduled for December 2024.
To qualify for the December payment, you must receive Carer’s Allowance on 7 October 2024.
Shared Care Situations
If you share caring responsibilities with another carer, only one of you can claim the Carer’s Allowance. It’s essential to decide who will claim the allowance, as DWP will determine who receives the benefit if both apply.
Earnings Calculation
Your earnings are calculated based on income from employment or self-employment after tax, National Insurance, and allowable expenses. Allowable expenses include:
- Pension Contributions: 50% of your pension contributions
- Job Equipment: Necessary items like specialist clothing
- Travel Costs: Between workplaces not covered by your employer, such as fuel or train fares
- Business Costs: For self-employed carers, like a computer used solely for work
If you pay someone to look after the disabled person or your children while you work, care costs up to 50% of your earnings can be treated as an expense, provided the carer is not your spouse, partner, parent, child, or sibling.
Non-Countable Earnings
Certain payments are not considered earnings, including:
- Occupational or Private Pension: Money from these sources
- Living Costs Contributions: Contributions from someone you live with, provided they aren’t a tenant or boarder
- Boarding Income: The first £20 per week and 50% of the remainder from someone boarding in your home
- Loans/Advance Payments: From your employer
State Pension and Pension Credit
- State Pension: You cannot receive the full amount of both Carer’s Allowance and your State Pension simultaneously. If your pension is £81.90 per week or more, you won’t receive Carer’s Allowance. If it’s less, you’ll receive a payment to make up the difference.
- Pension Credit: If your State Pension exceeds £81.90 per week, you won’t receive Carer’s Allowance, but your Pension Credit payments will increase instead.
How to Apply for Carer’s Allowance
You can apply for Carer’s Allowance either online or by post:
Online Application
- Apply through the Government’s Website: The online application process is straightforward and allows you to submit your information directly.
Postal Application
- Request or Download Forms: You can download the forms from the government’s website or request one by contacting the Carer’s Allowance Unit:
- Phone: 0800 731 0297
- Textphone: 0800 731 0317
- Relay UK: 18001 then 0800 731 0297
Once completed, send your application to:
Carer’s Allowance Unit
Mail Handling Site A
Wolverhampton
WV98 2AB
Required Documents
When applying, you’ll need the following:
- National Insurance Number
- Bank or Building Society Details
- Employment Details: Including your latest payslip
- P45: If you have recently finished work
- Course Details: If you are studying
- Earnings Information
- Expenses: Such as pension contributions or care costs
- Care Recipient’s Information: Their date of birth, address, National Insurance number (if 16 or older), and Disability Living Allowance reference
By ensuring that you meet all eligibility criteria and submitting a thorough application, you can secure the Carer’s Allowance and receive further disbursements in 2024.
FAQs
What is the next Carer’s Allowance payment date?
The next payment of £288.60 is scheduled for December 2024.
Can I claim Carer’s Allowance if I share caring responsibilities?
Only one carer can claim the allowance; decide who will apply.
How are my earnings calculated for Carer’s Allowance?
Earnings are calculated after tax, National Insurance, and allowable expenses.
What if my State Pension is higher than £81.90 per week?
You won’t receive Carer’s Allowance, but your Pension Credit payments will increase.
How can I apply for Carer’s Allowance?
Apply online via the government’s website or by post through the Carer’s Allowance Unit.
