Applying for Carer's Allowance

Check Eligibility

You may be eligible for Carer’s Allowance if you meet all the following conditions:

Caring Hours:

• You care for someone for at least 35 hours per week.

• The person you care for must receive one of the following benefits:

  • Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – daily living component.

  • Disability Living Allowance (DLA) – middle or highest care rate.

  • Attendance Allowance.

Your Circumstances:

• You’re aged 16 or older.

• You have lived in the UK for at least 2 of the last 3 years.

• You’re not in full-time education (21 hours or more per week).

• You’re not earning more than £139 per week after tax and allowable expenses (e.g., childcare, travel).

The Person You Care For:

• They must not receive Carer’s Allowance themselves for looking after you.

Preparing to Apply

Before applying, gather the following information:

Personal Details:

• National Insurance number.

• Bank or building society details.

• Employment details (if applicable) or P45 if recently left a job.

Details of the Person You Care For:

• Their date of birth and address.

• Their National Insurance number or Disability Living Allowance (DLA)/Personal Independence Payment (PIP)/Attendance Allowance reference number.

Proof of Care Hours:

• Examples include appointment letters, logs of daily care activities, or correspondence related to their needs.

Applying for Carer’s Allowance

You can apply for Carer’s Allowance online or by post.

Online Application:

1. Go to the official Carer’s Allowance page: Apply for Carer’s Allowance.

2. Complete the online form with the required details.

3. Submit the form electronically.

By Post:

1. Download and print the Carer’s Allowance claim form: Download the form (DS700).

2. Fill out the form manually.

3. Send the completed form to: Carer’s Allowance Unit
   Mail Handling Site A
   Wolverhampton
   WV98 2AB

Working While Receiving Carer’s Allowance

You can work and still receive Carer’s Allowance, but you must:

Earn £139 per week or less after allowable expenses.

• Examples of allowable expenses:

  • Travel costs between work and home.

  • Pension contributions.

  • Equipment necessary for your job.

Ensure your work schedule allows you to provide 35 hours of care weekly.

After Applying

Wait for a Decision:

• You’ll typically receive a decision within 6 weeks. If approved, you may also receive backdated payments.

Check Your Other Benefits:

• Claiming Carer’s Allowance may reduce other benefits (e.g., Universal Credit, Housing Benefit).

• Use the Benefits Calculator: Turn2Us Benefits Calculator to check your entitlement.

Appeal If Necessary:

• If your claim is denied, you can appeal. Follow the guidance on challenging a benefit decision.

Maintaining Eligibility

Inform the Carer’s Allowance Unit About Changes:

• If your caring hours reduce or stop.

• If the person you care for stops receiving qualifying benefits.

Keep Income Under £139 Per Week:
Monitor your earnings and allowable expenses regularly.

Keep Records:
Maintain documentation of care provided and work hours to demonstrate ongoing eligibility.

Useful Links

1. Apply for Carer’s Allowance: Gov.uk - Carer’s Allowance

2. Benefit Calculators: Turn2Us Benefits Calculator

3. Contact the Carer’s Allowance Unit:

• Phone: 0800 731 0297

• Textphone: 0800 731 0317

• Relay UK: 18001 then 0800 731 0297

Final Thoughts

Applying for Carer’s Allowance and knowing if you are eligible to claim can be overwhelming. By taking it step by step, you can reduce the pressure of the application process and increase your chances of getting the support you are entitled to.