You might not think of yourself as a carer, but if you regularly look after someone close to you — such as a partner, family member, or friend who is ill, disabled, or elderly — you likely are. As a carer, you may be entitled to financial support to help with everyday living costs.
Carer’s Allowance
Carer’s Allowance is the main benefit for carers. In the 2026/27 tax year, it is £86.45 per week.
You may be eligible if you:
Care for someone for at least 35 hours per week
Are aged 16 or over
Are not in full-time education (21+ hours per week)
Earn £204 per week or less after deductions
The person you care for must receive a qualifying disability benefit, such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), or Attendance Allowance.
Carer’s Allowance is not means-tested, but it can affect other benefits you or the person you care for receive. Even if you cannot be paid (for example, due to State Pension), you should still apply — you may qualify for an underlying entitlement that increases other benefits.
More info: https://www.gov.uk/carers-allowance
Extra Support for Carers
If you are a carer, you may receive extra money as part of other benefits, such as:
Universal Credit
Housing Benefit
Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit)
and other benefits depending on your circumstances
This extra support may be called a Carer Element, Carer Premium, or Carer Addition, depending on the benefit you receive. It is usually added on top of your existing payments.
Carer’s Credit
Carer’s Credit helps protect your National Insurance record and your future State Pension.
You may be eligible if you:
Care for someone for at least 20 hours per week
Do not receive Carer’s Allowance
More info: https://www.gov.uk/carers-credit
Additional Support
You may be entitled to support from your local council through a carer’s assessment, which can identify practical and financial help.
To request an assessment, contact adult social services at your local council. If you care for a child, contact the children with disabilities department.
Need Help or Advice?
If you need advice, our helplines are available Monday to Wednesday, 10 am to 4 pm:
PL/LT/EN: 07521857415
RO/EN: 07730021986
UA/RU/EN: 07718612218
This is in line with the information available as of 23/07/2026.