What is a Carer's allowance?
Carer’s Allowance is a benefit to help people who look after someone who is disabled. You do not have to be related to, or live with, the person you care for.
Who can get Carer's allowance?
You can claim Carer’s Allowance if you are aged 16 or over and spend at least 35 hours a week caring for a person getting Attendance Allowance, or Disability Living Allowance (at the middle or highest rate for personal care), or Constant Attendance Allowance (at or above the normal maximum rate with an Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit, or basic (full day) rate with a War Disablement Pension).
How it is paid?
Carer's Allowance is normally paid directly into any account of your choice which accepts Direct Payment of benefits. This might be a bank, building society, or other account provider.
You may be able to get someone else to collect your Carer's Allowance if you wish. For help with this contact your bank, building society or other account provider.
Who cannot get Carer's allowance?
You can’t claim Carer’s Allowance if you are in full-time education with 21 hours or more a week of supervised study or earn more than £82 a week after certain deductions have been made (such as Income Tax).
How to claim
Visit the DirectGov website (see Related Links below) for more information and how to claim.