You can get a claim form for Carer's Allowance (DS700) from your local benefits office or by ringing the Carer's Allowance Unit on 01253 856123 or the Benefit Enquiry line on 0800 88 22 00. You can also download a copy from the Directgov website (see its details in the Useful Contacts section). If you are in Northern Ireland call the Disability and Carer's Service on 028 9090 6186 or the Benefit Enquiry Line on 0800 22 06 74. If you need help completing the claim pack, contact one of the relevant organisation in the Useful contacts section.

Claiming in England, Scotland and Wales

Your claim will not be processed by your local benefits office. Instead, it will be dealt with by a special office. If you live in England, Scotland or Wales your claim will be dealt with by the Carer's Allowance Unit at the address below. You should send your completed claim pack to this address. If you have any queries about your claim this is also the office to contact:

Carer's Allowance Unit
Palatine House
Lancaster Road
Preston PR1 1HB
Tel: 01253 856123

Claiming in Northern Ireland

If you live in Northern Ireland, your claim will be processed by the Disability and Carer's Service at the address below. You should send your completed claim pack to this address. If you have any queries about your claim this is also the office to contact:

Disability and Carer's Service
Castle Court
Royal Avenue
Belfast BT1 1HR
Tel: 028 9090 6186

If your claim is unsuccessful

If your claim is unsuccessful, you can request a 'revision' of the decision and then a further appeal. You must request a revision within one month of notification of the decision. Before challenging a decision get advice from one of the organisations in the Useful contacts section.