Introduction

As a carer, you may have some money worries - especially if you have had to give up work. There may be some financial support available to you. This depends on your personal circumstances and those of the person you care for.

Carer’s allowance

Carer’s allowance is a weekly benefit provided by the government.

To qualify you must:

• be aged 16 or over
• provide care to another person for at least 35 hours per week.

And the person you are caring for must be in receipt of one of the following:

• attendance allowance
• personal independence allowance
• disability living allowance.

You can find out more about these benefits, and how to apply, on the GOV.UK website.

Further information about carer's allowance can also be found on the GOV.UK website.

Protecting your state pension

You will also receive National Insurance credits if you are in receipt of carer’s allowance and do not currently receive them with another benefit. You can find out more about National Insurance credits on the GOV.UK website.

These credits go towards your National Insurance record so there isn't a gap in contributions when they calculate your state pension.

Carer's credit

If you are not claiming carer’s allowance, but you are caring for someone for at least 20 hours a week, you could get carer’s credit.

This is a National Insurance credit that helps with gaps in your National Insurance record. It is important to make sure any gaps are accounted for as your state pension is based on this record. Learn more about carer’s credit on the GOV.UK website. This is a benefit provided by the government.

Other benefits

As well as the support detailed above that is specific to carers, there may be other benefits you qualify for, such as housing and council tax support.

Benefits calculator

You can check if you qualify for any benefits using our benefits calculator.

You’ll need information about savings, income, pension, childcare payments and any existing benefits (for you and your partner).

Calculate your benefits