Access Compass guide
Carer's Allowance and the carer element of Universal Credit
If you spend at least 35 hours a week caring for a disabled adult or child, you may be able to claim Carer's Allowance (£86.45 a week) and, on Universal Credit, an extra carer element (£209.34 a month). This guide walks through both, and the traps to avoid.
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Who it's for: Parents & carers, Adults, Families
Not yet verified Last checked 7 Jul 2026. Always confirm details with the service before relying on them.
Step by step
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Check the person you care for gets a qualifying benefit
Carer's Allowance is only possible if the person you care for already receives a qualifying disability benefit, such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP) daily living component, Disability Living Allowance (DLA) middle or highest care rate, or Attendance Allowance. If they do not yet have one of these, sort that out first.
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Check you meet the caring and earnings rules
You must spend at least 35 hours a week caring, earn £204 or less a week after tax, National Insurance and allowable expenses, and not be in full-time education (21 or more study hours a week). You must be 16 or over.
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Watch the overlapping benefits trap before you claim
Carer's Allowance can overlap with the State Pension and can reduce some means-tested benefits for you or the person you care for. Get a free benefits check from Citizens Advice or Community Law Service first, so a claim helps rather than accidentally reduces the household's income.
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Claim Carer's Allowance
Apply online at gov.uk/carers-allowance, or by post or phone through the Carer's Allowance Unit. Have your bank details, National Insurance number, and details of the person you care for ready.
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Claim the carer element if you are on Universal Credit
If you get Universal Credit, report your caring role in your online journal or to your work coach. You can get the carer element (an extra £209.34 a month) for caring at least 35 hours a week, even in some cases where you cannot get Carer's Allowance itself. It is not added automatically; you have to report it.
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Keep DWP updated
Tell the Department for Work and Pensions if your hours of care, earnings, or the benefits of the person you care for change, to avoid overpayments you would later have to repay.