Help for carers
If you look after someone with a disability or health condition, you may be able to get support in your own right. This section explains the main options in plain English.
We explain the system. We do not advise on individual cases.
Who counts as a carer
You do not need to live with someone, be related to them, or be paid, to be a carer. If you regularly help someone who is ill, disabled or older — with things like washing, cooking, medication, getting around, or keeping safe — you are a carer in the eyes of the benefit system.
The main types of support for carers
- Carer’s Allowance — a weekly payment if you care for at least 35 hours a week for someone who gets a qualifying disability benefit.
- Who can claim and how to claim — the eligibility rules and the claim process.
- Carer’s Credit — National Insurance credits to protect your State Pension if you cannot get Carer’s Allowance.
- Helping someone with their claim — how to support a person you care for with their PIP, DLA or Attendance Allowance claim.
- Looking after yourself — carer’s assessments and where to find support.
An important point about overlapping benefits
Carer’s Allowance can affect other benefits — both yours and those of the person you care for. It is worth understanding this before claiming. The Carer’s Allowance page explains the main overlaps.
A note for Scotland
This website covers England. In Scotland, Carer’s Allowance has been replaced by Carer Support Payment, which works in a similar way. If you live in Scotland, check the official Scottish guidance.
Official source
For the official rules, rates and how to claim, see GOV.UK — Carer’s Allowance.
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Last reviewed: June 2026. We review this website regularly. Benefit rules and amounts can change — for current forms, deadlines and rates, always check GOV.UK. See how we keep this up to date.