Grants for Families and Carers
Government Funding

The main source of Government funding for carers is the Carer's Allowance. 

This is a taxable benefit paid to carers over 16 years caring for over 35 hours a week. 

To receive the Carer Allowance the adult or child you care for is in receipt of certain benefits.

• Personal Independence Payment - daily living component
• Disability Living Allowance - the 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

The main stumbling block to carers receiving the Allowance is the criteria:

You must not earn more than £151 a week (2024/25)

What is often missed is this is the sum you can earn after deducting:

• Half of any contribution to a personal or occupational pension.  If you don't have a pension scheme it might be worth looking into starting a Stakeholder pension.  

• Other work-related expenses (such as tools, uniforms etc)

• And after making the above deductions, you are also able to deduct up to half of money you earn to pay for childcare/care expenses

So, do make sure you make these deductions before discounting your eligibility.

If you are self-employed or on a variable income you may still be eligible by taking an average of your earnings.

By claiming the Carer's Allowance you are credited with National Insurance (NI) contributions .  This helps safeguard other benefits and your state pension.

If you are not eligible for the Carer's Allowance and care for over 20 hours a week you may still receive a  Carer's Credit.

This also provides a National Insurance credit to safe guard any gaps in your contributions.

If you receive other benefits you may not receive Carers Allowance.  This is due to the Overlapping Benefits rules.  

However, if you have an underlying entitlement to the Allowance you may receive a Carers Premium.   This may increase any other means tested benefits.

Applying for Carers Allowance

Carers Allowance is a complex benefit!

As there are so many conditions it is advisable to take advice from an advice agency before applying.

Citizens Advice, Contact, Age UK  or your local carers organisation may be able to help.   

They will also be able to tell you whether your application will affect the income the person you are caring  for.

To claim the Carer's Allowance: 

Either:

• Contact the Carer's Allowance Unit on 0845 6084321
• Visit your local Job Centre Plus
• or download an application form or complete the on-line application form.

Carers in Northern Ireland will need to either contact the Disability and Carer's Service on 028 9090 6186.

The Benefit Enquiry helpline on 0800 22 06 74 or visit their local Jobs and Benefits/Social Security office.

Scotland

From February 2024 onwards, Social Security Scotland will gradually transfer existing Carer’s Allowance claimants in Scotland onto Carer Support Payment. 

This is paid at the rate of £81.90 per week, the same amount as Carer’s Allowance.

The rules are the same as Carers Allowance with the exception that many carers in full time education may be able to claim. 

Carers in Scotland receiving the Carer Support Payment on a certain date will also receive an additional payment twice a year called the Carers Allowance Supplement.

The Scottish Government has introduced a package of help for young carers.  This includes the Young Carers Grant worth £300 a year for young people aged 16 to 18 years caring for over 16 hours a week.

Check out the other pages....

See also: