Carer’s Allowance in the UK
Carer’s Allowance is the main benefit for people who care for someone for at least 35 hours a week. It’s taxable, it can affect other benefits, and it comes with National Insurance credits toward your State Pension.
One thing that catches people out: it doesn’t work the same way across the whole UK. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland you claim Carer’s Allowance through the DWP. In Scotland, it has been replaced by Carer Support Payment, delivered by Social Security Scotland, which comes with an automatic top-up of its own. This section covers both routes.
Guides in this section
What you’ll need before you start — eligibility, documents, and what happens after you apply. Covers England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The automatic weekly top-up paid alongside Carer Support Payment in Scotland — how much it is and who gets it.
National Insurance credits for carers providing at least 20 hours of care a week — the option when you fall short of the 35-hour rule.
Every eligibility condition explained — earnings limits, full-time study rules, and what happens when more than one person cares.
Tools
An interactive checklist that walks through everything you need to gather before you apply, with the option to print or save your progress.
Not sure what else might apply to you? Check what else you may qualify for →