Who can claim Carer’s Allowance and how

Check you meet all the conditions

All of these must apply to you:

• You are 16 or over and spend at least 35 hours a week caring.
• The person you care for gets a qualifying disability benefit.
• Your earnings are £204 a week or less (after tax, NI and allowable expenses).
• You are not in full-time education or studying 21+ hours a week.
• You meet the residence rules and are not subject to immigration control.

What the 35 hours can include

The 35 hours of care a week can include practical help such as washing and cooking, taking the person to appointments, and helping with household tasks like bills and shopping. It does not have to be one continuous block.

How earnings are worked out

Earnings are income from employment or self-employment after tax, National Insurance and certain expenses. Some things do not count as earnings, such as a private or occupational pension. Some care costs you pay so you can work can be treated as an expense. The detailed rules are on GOV.UK.

How to claim

You can apply online or by post using form DS700. You will need details such as your National Insurance number, bank details, and information about the person you care for and their benefit. The official starting point is GOV.UK — make a claim.

If you are not eligible

If you do not qualify — for example because you earn too much or care for fewer than 35 hours — you may still be able to get Carer’s Credit to protect your State Pension.

Next steps

• Read about Carer’s Allowance and how it affects other benefits.
• Official source: GOV.UK — how to claim.