What are the new Carer’s Allowance rules from April 2026 — and could you now qualify?

What is Carer’s Allowance — and who is it designed to help?

Carer’s Allowance is the main state benefit for people who provide unpaid care to a disabled or seriously ill person in the UK. Around 1.3 million people claim it — but many thousands more are thought to be eligible and are not claiming.

The benefit is not just for people who have given up full-time work to care. You can receive it while doing paid work, as long as your net earnings stay below the weekly threshold. Many people caring for a family member alongside part-time work qualify, but simply do not know they can apply.

For people in their 50s and early 60s, Carer’s Allowance is particularly relevant. This is the age group most likely to be caring for a parent with dementia, a partner with a long-term condition, or another family member with a disability — often while managing their own health concerns and stretched finances.

What has changed about Carer’s Allowance from April 2026?

Two significant changes came into effect in April 2026, confirmed by the government following years of pressure from Carers UK and other advocacy organisations.

Has the weekly rate gone up?

Yes. The weekly rate rose from £83.30 to £86.45 — an increase of £3.15 a week. Across a full year, that adds up to £4,495.40. The rise was in line with September 2025’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation figure, which is how most working-age benefits are uprated each April.

Has the earnings limit changed too?

Yes — and this is the more significant change. The weekly earnings limit increased from £196 to £204, and it is now permanently linked to 16 hours at the National Living Wage. For many years, this threshold was frozen even as the National Living Wage rose — gradually locking more part-time workers out of Carer’s Allowance without any change to their hours or circumstances. Now, for the first time since the benefit was introduced in 1976, the threshold will rise automatically alongside the National Living Wage each year.

If you previously found yourself just over the earnings limit, it is worth checking again whether you now qualify.

Who is eligible for Carer’s Allowance?

To claim Carer’s Allowance, you must meet all of the following conditions:

• You are aged 16 or over and not in full-time education
• You provide at least 35 hours of care per week to one person
• The person you care for receives a qualifying disability benefit — such as the daily living component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), the middle or higher rate of Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Attendance Allowance, or Armed Forces Independence Payment
• Your net weekly earnings (after tax, National Insurance, and any allowable expenses) are below £204
• You and the person you care for both live in the UK

It is worth knowing that “net earnings” are calculated after deductions — including pension contributions and certain care costs you pay to cover your caring responsibilities while you are at work. Your gross pay may therefore be somewhat higher than £204 and you could still qualify.

What if you are over State Pension age?

Once you reach State Pension age (currently 66 for both men and women), you cannot receive Carer’s Allowance as a direct cash payment if your State Pension equals or exceeds the Carer’s Allowance rate. This is because they are “overlapping benefits” and cannot both be paid in full at the same time.

However — and this is important — it is still well worth applying. Claiming establishes what is called an underlying entitlement, which can unlock:

• The Carer’s Addition in Pension Credit — worth up to £45.60 extra per week in 2026/27, if you already receive Pension Credit
• Carer’s Credit, which adds National Insurance credits to your record if you are not in paid work, protecting your State Pension entitlement

Many older carers miss out on these extras simply by assuming they are too old to claim. If you are 66 or over and caring for someone for 35 or more hours a week, contact Carers UK or a benefits adviser to check what you may be entitled to.

How do you apply for Carer’s Allowance?

Since March 2026, the default method for new applications is online through the Government’s website at gov.uk. The process is straightforward and generally faster than paper forms, with most applications decided within six weeks.

Before you apply, have the following to hand:

• Your National Insurance number
• Your bank or building society details
• Details of the person you care for, including their National Insurance number and the disability benefit they receive
• Your employment details and latest payslip if you are working

If you find the online process difficult or do not use the internet, paper forms are still available. Call the Carer’s Allowance Unit on 0800 731 0297 (free from most landlines and mobiles, Monday to Thursday 8am–5pm, Friday 8am–4:30pm) to request a form or get help with your application.

What other support is available for unpaid carers?

Carer’s Allowance is just one part of the support available to you. Here are other sources of help worth knowing about:

• Carer’s Credit: If you are not working, or earning below the Lower Earnings Limit, Carer’s Credit gives you National Insurance credits to protect your future State Pension. You do not need to be receiving Carer’s Allowance to claim it.
• Carer’s assessment: Your local council has a legal duty to offer you a free carer’s assessment. This can unlock practical support — from respite care to equipment, emergency planning, and access to local services.
• Council tax discount: If the person you care for lives alone, they may qualify for a 25% council tax discount. Some councils also offer reductions for full-time carers living in the same home.
• GP carer registration: Tell your GP that you are an unpaid carer. Many practices have a carer register and can offer priority appointments, health checks, and links to local support groups.
• Carers UK helpline: Call 0808 808 7777 (free, Monday to Friday, 9am–6pm) or visit carersuk.org for advice, to find a local carers’ centre, and to use their free benefits calculator.