From April 2025, working carers will be able to earn £196 per week without losing their Carer’s Allowance eligibility, marking a 30% increase from the previous limit of £151. As a result, an additional 60,000 carers will qualify for Carer’s Allowance, and carers will be able to earn £2,340 more per year. For the first time in decades, the earnings threshold will be linked to increases in the National Living Wage, ensuring that the limit rises in line with it.
What is Carer’s Allowance?
Carer’s Allowance is a benefit of £83.30 a week (from April 2025) and if you care for someone at least 35 hours a week you may be eligible for the benefit, however there is criteria which must be met in order to claim it.
Do I need to be related to the person I am caring for?
No, you do not have to be related to, or live with, the person you care for.
How do I know if I qualify for Carer’s Allowance?
Please check the websites below to find out if you qualify for Carer’s Allowance:
Can I get Carer’s Allowance if I have a State Pension?
Unfortunately you cannot get the full amount of both Carer’s Allowance and your State Pension at the same time. If your pension is £83.30 a week or more, you will not get a Carer’s Allowance payment. If your pension is less than £83.30 a week, you’ll get a Carer’s Allowance payment to make up the difference.
Can I claim Carer’s Allowance if I receive Pension Credit?
If your State Pension is more than £83.30 a week, unfortunately you will not receive Carer’s Allowance but your Pension Credit payments may increase instead.
Is there an effect on other benefits I (or the person I care for) receive?
It is worth taking a look at the government web page on Carer’s Allowance as it details how if receiving Carer’s Allowance may affect other benefits you receive.
To find out more about the criteria and applying for Carer’s Allowance, please visit gov.uk/carers-allowance
Do you have something to say about the changes to Carer’s Allowance?
We want to hear from you! Our Carers Speak Out web page is your opportunity to have your voice heard. Every day unpaid carers looking after a family member or friend tell us how difficult life can be for carers and many carers feel they are invisible and not heard – we are committed to changing that.
It’s crucial for unpaid carers to speak out as raising awareness about the realities of caring can highlight how the right support can be the difference between a crisis and a carer being able to manage. We want to hear about your experiences, what may have led to a crisis or near-crisis, and how the right support made a difference. To share your views, visit our Carers Speak Out page.
