Being a carer is a huge responsibility. You spend your time looking after someone else, like a family member or friend, who is ill, disabled, or has mental health problems. But what happens if you, the carer, also have your own health condition or disability? It can feel overwhelming.
The good news is that the UK government’s Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) offers financial support that you might be entitled to. This could be up to £180 per week to help you manage. Many people don’t know they can claim this, so let’s break it down in simple terms.
Who is Eligible to Claim This Support?
Eligibility depends on which benefit you are applying for. Here’s a simple guide:
For Carer’s Allowance:
- You must be 16 or over.
- You must spend at least 35 hours per week caring for someone.
- The person you care for must already receive a qualifying disability benefit, like Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), or Attendance Allowance.
- You must not be in full-time education or studying for 21 hours or more a week.
- Your earnings must be £151 or less per week after tax, National Insurance, and certain expenses.
- You must normally live in England, Scotland, or Wales.
For Employment and Support Allowance (ESA):
- Your health condition or disability must affect your ability to work.
- You must be under State Pension age.
- You must have met the National Insurance contribution conditions (for contributory ESA) or have a low income (for income-related ESA).
A Quick Guide to Key Benefits
| Benefit | What It’s For | Weekly Amount (2024/25) | Key Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carer’s Allowance | For providing 35+ hrs of care per week | £81.90 | Earnings must be under £151/week. |
| Employment & Support Allowance (ESA) | If an illness/disability affects your work | Up to £101.75 | Assessment needed to determine rate. |
| Personal Independence Payment (PIP) | Help with extra living costs due to illness/disability | £29.60 to £184.30 | For the person you care for (or for you!). |
| Universal Credit | Help with living costs if you’re on a low income | Varies | Can include extra amounts for caring & disability. |
How to Claim Your Benefits
Claiming might seem complicated, but it’s a step-by-step process.
- Check Your Eligibility: Use the benefits calculators on websites like Turn2us or Citizens Advice to see what you might be entitled to.
- Gather Information: You will need your National Insurance number, bank details, information about your health condition, and details about the person you care for (including their benefit information).
- Apply Online: The quickest way to apply for Carer’s Allowance is through the official UK government website. For ESA, you will usually need to call the DWP to start a claim.
- Seek Help: If you find forms confusing, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Organisations like Citizens Advice, Carers UK, and StepChange offer free, confidential support to guide you through the application process.
Caring for someone while managing your own health is a sign of incredible strength. The financial support from the DWP is not a handout; it is a recognition of the vital role you play and the challenges you face. The system can seem complex, with different benefits like Carer’s Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) working together.
The key takeaway is that you should not ignore your own needs. You might be eligible for significant financial help, potentially adding up to £180 per week or more when all entitlements are combined. This money is there to reduce your stress and help you maintain your own well-being.
Millions of pounds in benefits go unclaimed every year because people assume they aren’t eligible or find the process too daunting. Don’t let that be you. Take a few minutes to check your eligibility online or call a advice charity. It could make a world of difference to your life.
FAQs
No, your Carer’s Allowance claim will not reduce the amount of benefits the person you care for gets. In fact, if they receive a severe disability premium within their benefits, it might be affected, but they should be notified of this. It is still almost always beneficial for you to claim.
Yes, absolutely. You can claim ESA (or Universal Credit) for your own disability and Carer’s Allowance for caring for your mother. You must inform the DWP of both circumstances. Your ESA might be adjusted slightly if you get Carer’s Allowance, but you will likely be financially better off overall.
The earnings limit for Carer’s Allowance is strict. If your net earnings are even £151.01 per week, you will not be eligible. It’s important to calculate your earnings correctly after deducting taxes, National Insurance, and certain allowable expenses like half of your pension contributions.