Thousands of people in the UK could be entitled to a monthly income boost £354 if they meet a ‘35 hours’ rule.
Carer’s Allowance is a benefit issued by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to those who help care for someone else.
It means that if you help someone out by doing their washing and cooking, taking them to GP or hospital appointments, or other general household tasks, you could be entitled to a bit of extra cash.
To qualify, you must care for someone at least 35 hours per week and they must be getting certain benefits. You don’t have to be related to, or live with, the person you care for and you won’t get paid extra if you look after more than one person.
The DWP will provide those who are eligible with £81.90 per week, which over the course of one year amounts to £4,258 – or an average of £354 per month.
In order to get Carer’s Allowance, the person you care for must already be getting one of the following benefits:
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Personal Independence Payment – daily living component
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Disability Living Allowance – the middle or highest care rate
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Attendance Allowance
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Constant Attendance Allowance at or above the normal maximum rate with an Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
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Constant Attendance Allowance at the basic (full day) rate with a War Disablement Pension
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Armed Forces Independence Payment
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Child Disability Payment – the middle or highest care rate
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Adult Disability Payment – daily living component at the standard or enhanced rate
You must also meet all of the following eligibility criteria:
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be aged 16 or over
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have lived in England, Scotland or Wales for at least two of the last three years
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you normally live in England, Scotland or Wales, or you live abroad as a member of the armed forces
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be in full-time education
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not be studying for 21 hours a week or more
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not be subject to immigration control
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your earnings are £139 or less a week after tax, National Insurance and expenses
If you share care responsibilities with another person then only one of you can claim the allowance. The DWP says you can still apply, but it will decide who should receive the benefit.
It’s worth noting that Carer’s Allowance can affect other benefits that you and the person you care for receive, and you will have to pay tax on it if your income is more than the Personal Allowance.
But for each week you get the allowance you’ll automatically get National Insurance credits and you may also be able to apply for other support, including a Council Tax Reduction, Universal Credit if you’re on a low income or unemployed, or Pension Credit.
You can apply for the benefit on the government website and you can backdate your claim by up to three months.
