Carer’s Allowance in 2026: £86.45 a week for looking after someone

Carer’s Allowance is a weekly payment for people who look after someone with a disability, serious illness or care needs in old age. According to GOV.UK, the rate is £86.45 a week, paid weekly in advance or every four weeks into your account.

Who qualifies for Carer’s Allowance?

You qualify if you provide care for at least 35 hours a week. You do not have to be related to, or live with, the person you care for. If several people care for the same person, only one can claim, and you cannot get extra for caring for more than one person.

How much can you earn and still get it?

You keep the payment if you earn £204 or less a week — counted after tax, National Insurance and allowable expenses. Going even a pound over the limit removes your entitlement for that week, so watch variable income carefully.

Which benefit must the person you care for get?

The person you care for must receive a qualifying benefit. These include Personal Independence Payment (daily living component), Disability Living Allowance (middle or highest care rate), Attendance Allowance, Pension Age Disability Payment, Armed Forces Independence Payment, and the Scottish Child Disability Payment and Adult Disability Payment. The full list is on the GOV.UK eligibility page.

What else does Carer’s Allowance give you?

For each week you receive it, you get National Insurance credits that help protect your State Pension. Carer’s Allowance is taxable if your total income is above your Personal Allowance.

What if you live in Scotland?

In Scotland you claim Carer Support Payment instead. If you move to Scotland, Carer’s Allowance stops 13 weeks after you move, and you must apply for the Scottish equivalent.

How do you claim?

You apply online on GOV.UK or by post, and you can ask for the payment to be backdated by up to three months. Before claiming, check how Carer’s Allowance affects your other benefits, as it can reduce some of them.

Carer’s Allowance is a key benefit for families where one adult has to cut back on work to provide care. Even £86.45 a week plus pension credits makes a real difference, so it is worth claiming promptly.