Claiming Carers' Allowance

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Published: 16 June 2005

Claiming Carers' Allowance

As part of Carers Week, Anne McGuire, Minister for Disabled People, has helped celebrate the role of carers and reminded people to apply for Carer's Allowance.

Carer's Allowance is a benefit for people caring for a severely disabled person for at least 35 hours per week and recognises the contribution they make.

Anne McGuire, Minister for Disabled People said:
"Carers provide important support to disabled people throughout the country, whether for family or friends. Their role makes them invaluable not just within this close relationship, within the wider local community.

Carers Week gives us the opportunity to highlight the importance of carers and to recognise the contribution they make.

I would encourage carers to apply for Carer's Allowance if they think that they are entitled. If people are unsure as to whether they may be entitled to the benefit, they can ring the Carers Allowance Unit for advice.

Carer's Allowance can also be claimed by post, through the local Jobcentre Plus office and can now be claimed on-line - saving time for carers to ensure they receive the help that they are entitled to."

433,185 people are in receipt of Carer's Allowance and it is paid at £45.70 per week and an addition for an adult dependent can be claimed:

It is payable to carers over 16 who provide regular and substantial care to a severely disabled person who receives middle or highest rate of Disability Living Allowance care component, Attendance Allowance, or the equivalent rates of Constant Attendance Allowance.
Carers must provide care for at least 35 hours per week.
There are other conditions of entitlement such as an earnings limit, a bar on full-time education and residence and presence requirements.