If you are a carer for someone with a severe disability then you may be entitled to carer’s allowance which helps with costs while you are providing care. While receive carers allowance you can also receive national insurance credits which fills the gap in your national insurance record if you are unable to pay national insurance.
Criteria
You are eligible to apply for Care’s Allowance if you meet the following criteria:
- You care for someone for at least 35 hours a week
- The person you care for meets the criteria (view the criteria the person must meet on the government website)
- You are over the age of 16
- You’ve been in England, Scotland or Wales for at least two of the last 3 years (this doesn’t apply if you are a refugee or have humanitarian protection status)
- You normally live in England or Wales
- You’re not in full time education
- You’re not studying for more than 21 hours a week
- You’re not subject to immigration control
- Your earnings are £196 a week or less after tax
How much is it worth?
Carer’s allowance is worth £83.30 if your claim is successful although you do not get more money if you care for multiple people. You also do not have to be related to the person in order to receive carer’s allowance.
How to apply
You can apply on the government website or by requesting a from using the link below or by calling 0800 731 0297.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/carers-allowance-claim-form
Need more information?
Do you need more information regarding Carer’s Allowance? The following links will take you to the government and RNIB websites.
Government website
https://www.gov.uk/carers-allowance
RNIB website
