If you look after your partner, or a relative or friend who needs help because they are frail, ill or have a disability, then you are a carer. If you spend a lot of time caring for someone, you will have your own needs as a carer. Some help is available; this includes welfare benefits and assistance from social services.

Carer’s Allowance

The main welfare benefit for carers is Carer's Allowance. This is a weekly payment for carers of sick, disabled and older people.  If you qualify for Carer’s Allowance, you will receive £50.55 per week. You could get an additional £30.20 on top of this for your spouse if they are financially dependant on you. But this increase cannot be paid if your partner's income from earnings, overlapping benefits or private pension is more than £30.20.

You will be paid a Christmas Bonus of £10 if you get Carer's Allowance. However, if you receive a Christmas bonus from another disability benefit, you will not be paid this twice.

Carer's Allowance is not means-tested, but it is taxable. If you get Carer's Allowance you will be credited with Class one National Insurance contributions which will protect your State Retirement Pension. You will also earn extra pension for every complete tax year that you get Carer's Allowance.