Carer’s Allowance — Who Qualifies and How to Claim

1. What is Carer’s Allowance?

Carer’s Allowance is a weekly payment for people who provide at least 35 hours of care per week for a disabled person who receives certain benefits. For autism families, this usually means caring for a child receiving DLA at the middle or higher rate care component. It is £81.90 per week (2024/25) — roughly £4,200 per year.

Most parents who qualify are not claiming it.

2. Do I qualify?

You qualify if all of the following apply:

• You provide at least 35 hours of care per week
• The person you care for receives DLA at middle or higher rate care, or PIP daily living at standard or enhanced rate
• Your net earnings are £151 or less per week after tax, NI, and allowable expenses
• You are 16 or over
• You are not in full-time education (21+ hours per week)
• You are habitually resident in the UK

3. The earnings limit explained

The £151 net earnings limit catches most working parents out — but it is higher than many assume, and expenses can be deducted:

• Net pay after income tax and National Insurance
• Deduct pension contributions, 50% of any childcare costs for the child you care for, and expenses directly related to your work
• Part-time working on a low wage often falls under the limit

4. How Carer’s Allowance affects other benefits

Receiving Carer’s Allowance does not reduce DLA. It may affect means-tested benefits:

• Universal Credit: Carer’s Allowance is taken into account but you also receive the Carer’s Element (£185.86/month 2024/25) — often a net gain
• Tax credits: Carer’s Allowance counts as income
• Pension Credit: complex — seek advice before claiming

Get a benefits calculation before claiming if you receive means-tested benefits.

5. How to claim

Online: gov.uk/carers-allowance — approximately 20 minutes.

Phone: 0800 731 0297

Backdating: claims can be backdated up to 3 months.

Common questions