Carers Allowance

This benefit is claimed by and paid to the person who's caring for you and giving you the help that you need. It's possible that a couple who are caring for each other may each make a claim. It's paid weekly and is taxable. There are many different rules regulating who can and cannot claim this benefit. Your carer is eligible if:

• They spend 35 hours or more per week caring for you
• They're employed and earn less than £79 per week
• You (as the person being cared for) are claiming Attendance Allowance or Disability Living Allowance at high or middle rate, or are receiving Constant Attendance Allowance

Due to the over-lapping benefits rule, your carer may not be eligible if they're already receiving any of the following:

• State Retirement Pension
• Incapacity Benefit
• Severe Disablement Allowance
• Widows Benefit/Bereavement Benefits
• Maternity Allowance
• Contribution-based Job Seekers

Allowance

However, if the amount they receive falls below the basic level allowed, Carers Allowance may be paid to "top-up" the allowance to the basic level.