The DWP has a payment available to people who look after a family member or friend for at least 35 hours a week, and it’s worth thousands of pounds a year
If you’re caring for someone for a certain number of hours, you could be entitled to as much as £333 per month. Moreover, some people may receive additional support towards their pension fund if they’re not working.
Carer’s Allowance is a benefit designed to provide income for someone who cares for another while also claiming specific benefits. This benefit can be paid either weekly or every four weeks at a rate of £83.30 and can also offer some extra perks if you’re unemployed.
The type of care that qualifies someone for Carer’s Allowance can vary, but it can include tasks such as helping with general household chores like shopping, washing and cooking for someone, or even accompanying the person being cared for to a doctor’s appointment.
Eligibility for Carer’s Allowance
To claim Carer’s Allowance, you must provide care for someone for at least 35 hours a week. Additionally, the person being cared for must also receive a qualifying benefit:
You don’t have to be related to the person you’re caring for or live with them.
Payments are only provided for one person, and you won’t receive extra if you care for more than one person.
Eligibility for Carer’s Credit
If you’re providing care for someone for at least 20 hours a week, you could be eligible for credits to help fill gaps in your National Insurance record.
This record is crucial in determining your eligibility for State Pension when you retire and is typically filled when you work and pay National Insurance.
However, this isn’t always feasible when you’re caring for someone.
Much like Carer’s Allowance, the person you’re caring for must receive a qualifying benefit. Moreover, you could still be eligible for Carer’s Credit even if you take a break from caring, although this is only covered for up to 12 weeks.
You cannot claim Carer’s Credit at the same time as Carer’s Allowance, as you should automatically get credits alongside the benefit when you claim that. In order to apply for Carer’s Credit, you need to fill in a claim form and send it to the address included.