The full picture
Carer's Allowance is a weekly payment from the Department for Work and Pensions to recognise the cost of caring unpaid for someone with substantial care needs. The person being cared for must already receive a qualifying benefit — Attendance Allowance, PIP (daily living), DLA (middle or highest care rate), Adult Disability Payment (daily living), Pension Age Disability Payment, or Armed Forces Independence Payment. You must spend at least 35 hours each week caring for them, earn no more than £204 a week after tax and allowable expenses, and not be in full-time education (more than 21 hours a week). Claiming Carer's Allowance can affect the other person's Severe Disability Premium, and in some cases can increase your own Universal Credit or Pension Credit — a welfare adviser can help you work out the net effect.