If you provide regular care for someone and you meet the rules, claiming Carer's Allowance is usually straightforward, but there are a few things worth doing before and after you apply to avoid problems. This guide takes you through how to claim Carer's Allowance step by step, what information you need, the checks to make first, and what happens once your claim is in.
Before you start: check it is the right move
Before you claim, make one important check. If the person you care for receives a severe disability premium or addition in their own benefits, your claiming Carer's Allowance could cause them to lose it, which might leave the household worse off. It is worth getting a quick benefits check first, so you know that claiming will help rather than accidentally reduce the support coming into the household overall.
What you will need
Gather your information before you begin, as it makes the application quicker. You will usually need:
- Your National Insurance number.
- Your bank or building society details.
- Your employment details and recent payslips, if you work.
- Details of any pension or other income.
- The date your caring role started.
- The details of the person you care for, including their date of birth and which disability benefit they receive.
How to apply
The easiest way to claim is online through the GOV.UK Carer's Allowance pages, where you complete the application form. If you would rather apply by post, you can request a paper form, and there is a dedicated phone line if you need a form sent out or need help. There is a separate version of the form for people who are claiming alongside their State Pension, so make sure you use the right one.
Backdating your claim
A Carer's Allowance claim can usually be backdated by up to three months, as long as you met the conditions during that time, including the person you care for having a qualifying disability benefit in payment. This means that if you have been caring for a while without claiming, you may be able to get some money for the past period, so do not assume you have missed out, and ask about backdating when you apply.
If the disability benefit is not yet in place
Your Carer's Allowance depends on the person you care for getting a qualifying disability benefit. If they have applied but not yet been awarded one, it is worth waiting until their benefit is in place, or making sure your claim is linked so it can be backdated to when their benefit starts. If their disability benefit is later awarded and backdated, your Carer's Allowance may be able to be backdated to match.
What happens after you claim
Once you have applied, the DWP processes your claim and writes to tell you the outcome. If you are awarded Carer's Allowance, it is paid weekly in advance or every four weeks, into your account. You should also receive National Insurance credits towards your State Pension. Check your decision letter, and if you think it is wrong, you can ask for it to be looked at again through a Mandatory Reconsideration.
Reporting changes
After you are awarded Carer's Allowance, you must report changes that could affect it, such as a change in your earnings, stopping caring or caring for fewer than 35 hours a week, the person you care for going into hospital or a care home, or changes to their benefits. Reporting changes promptly keeps your award correct and avoids building up an overpayment that you would have to repay later.
Carer's Allowance and Universal Credit
If you also claim Universal Credit, remember that Carer's Allowance counts as income and reduces your Universal Credit, though a carer element is usually included. In some cases you may be better off claiming only the Universal Credit carer element and not Carer's Allowance. It is worth getting advice on the best combination for your situation before you claim, so you do not lose out.
If you live in Scotland
In Scotland, you do not claim Carer's Allowance; you apply for Carer Support Payment from Social Security Scotland instead. The process is similar, and the payment is the same amount with an extra supplement on top. If you live in Scotland, follow the Carer Support Payment application route rather than the Carer's Allowance one.
How long it takes
Once you have applied, it usually takes a few weeks for the DWP to make a decision, though it can be longer at busy times or if more information is needed. You do not need to do anything while you wait, but keep a copy of what you submitted and the date you claimed. If your claim is approved, payment is usually backdated to your claim date, so a wait does not mean losing money.
If you are turned down
If your claim is refused and you think the decision is wrong, you can challenge it by asking for a Mandatory Reconsideration within one month, and then appealing to an independent tribunal if needed. Common reasons for refusal include the person you care for not having a qualifying benefit in payment, or your earnings being over the limit, so check these points, and get advice if you want to challenge the decision.
Claiming with your State Pension
If you are over State Pension age, you can still apply, but because of the overlapping benefits rules you may not be paid Carer's Allowance on top of your State Pension if your pension is the same as or more than the Carer's Allowance rate. Even so, it can still be worth claiming to establish an underlying entitlement, which can increase Pension Credit. Use the version of the form for State Pension age claimants.
Keep a note of everything
Throughout your claim, keep copies of your application, your decision letter, and any letters or messages, along with the dates of phone calls. If a question ever arises about your award or earnings, this record protects you. It also makes it far easier to report changes accurately and to challenge a decision if you need to, so a simple folder of your Carer's Allowance paperwork is well worth keeping.
Looking after yourself as a carer
Claiming Carer's Allowance is also a moment to think about your own support. Ask your local council for a carer's assessment, look into local carers' groups, and find out about respite options. Caring for 35 hours a week or more is demanding, and there is help designed to support carers, so make use of it. The benefit is just one part of the wider support you may be entitled to.
Getting help to apply
You do not have to complete the claim alone. Carers UK, local carers' centres and Citizens Advice can help you fill in the form, check that claiming is right for your household, and make sure you do not miss out on backdating or other support. Using this free help often results in a smoother claim and can pick up extra entitlements you might not have known about.
Where to get help
Free help to claim, and to check it is the right move for your household, is available from Citizens Advice, Carers UK and local carers' centres. For the full rules and the earnings limit, see our guides to Carer's Allowance and the earnings limit.