It’s Carers Week (8-14 June), and this year’s theme is Building Carer-Friendly Communities - highlighting the importance of recognising and supporting unpaid carers in our communities.
The UK’s 5.8 million unpaid carers are the backbone of our communities, supporting family members and loved ones everyday. But they're often overlooked, undervalued, and unsupported, which can affect their health and wellbeing, education, careers, and relationships.
How does building carer-friendly communities help?
There are lots of different ways carer-friendly communities can help those who need the support. This can look like:
- Business and services – making everyday tasks easier for carers by offering flexible or priority access;
- Community – sports clubs, faith groups, or community organisations creating opportunities for carers to feel connected;
- Education – schools, colleges, or universities identifying young adult carers and putting support in place to help them reach their potential;
- Health – GP practices, pharmacies or health services raising awareness amongst their staff to help identify and connect carers to the right support;
- Social care – taking a whole-family approach so everyone gets the help they need;
- Work – offering flexible working to support employees who juggle paid work with caring responsibilities.
If you regularly support an ill or disabled partner, family member or friend, you could be classed as their carer and might be entitled to Carer’s Allowance.
What is Carer’s Allowance?
Carer’s Allowance is the main state benefit for people who care for someone. It’s currently £86.45 per week and is designed to help cover the costs of a caring role.
Am I eligible for Carer’s Allowance?
You could be eligible if you:
- Spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone
- Are aged 16 or over
- Earn £204 a week or less (after tax, National Insurance, and expenses)
- Are not in full-time education
- Live in England, Scotland or Wales, or meet other residency criteria
What about the person I care for?
The person you care for must be claiming one of the following benefits:
- Personal Independence Payment (daily living component)
- Disability Living Allowance (middle or highest care rate)
- Attendance Allowance
- Adult or Child Disability Payment (standard/enhanced or middle/high care rates)
- Pension Age Disability Payment
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Constant Attendance Allowance (with certain conditions)
What if I share my caring role?
If someone you share care duties with is already claiming Carer’s Allowance or a related benefit for the same person, only one of you can get it. You can still apply, but the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will decide who qualifies. You should discuss this with the other carer before applying, so you can agree on the best option.
What counts as caring?
Caring can take many forms, such as:
- Helping with meals, washing, or personal care
- Taking the person to medical appointments
- Managing shopping, bills, or paperwork
If your care adds up to 35 hours a week, it counts.
What is ‘underlying entitlement’?
Even if you don’t receive Carer’s Allowance because you're already getting another benefit (like a State Pension), you might still have what’s called an ‘underlying entitlement.’
This can increase your entitlement to other benefits – for example, you may get a Carer Premium added to means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit or Pension Credit.
I think I might qualify. What should I do?
Many people don’t realise they’re eligible for Carer’s Allowance or that being a carer could open the door to additional help. If you think you might qualify, it’s worth finding out more. Visit www.gov.uk/carers-allowance, speak to one of our money advisors, or get help from a local support group or Citizens Advice.
We’re here to help. If you're unsure about whether you qualify for Carer’s Allowance, get in touch with our Hub team on 0345 60 20 540 to find out where to start.
