The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is urging people providing unpaid care for a friend, family member or neighbour to check eligibility for means-tested benefits including Universal Credit, to help boost their finances. When asked by Labour MP Fabian Hamilton what steps the DWP is taking to help support unpaid carers, Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disabilities, explained how they might be entitled to other benefits or Jobcentre support if they are providing less than 35 hours per week.
People providing 35 hours of unpaid care each week may be entitled to Carer’s Allowance or Carer Support Payment t, which is worth £81.90 per week – some £327.60 every four-week pay period. However, they may also be eligible for Universal Credit Carer Element where they are “not required to undertake any work-related activity, but can access employment support on a voluntary basis”.
Sir Stephen praised the contribution of people providing unpaid care across the country. In a written response to Mr Hamilton, he said: “Unpaid carers play a vital role in supporting elderly or disabled relatives or friends.
“Sometimes unpaid carers will need to turn to the benefit system for financial support, so it is right that we keep Carer’s Allowance under review, to see if it is meeting its objectives, and giving unpaid carers the help and support they need and deserve.”
He continued: “Unpaid carers may be able to receive financial and/or employment support from the Department depending on their circumstances. This includes Carer’s Allowance and means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit.
“Those caring for less than 35 hours a week on Universal Credit can receive individualised employment support through their Jobcentre Plus work coach who can tailor work related requirements, such as searching for work, to fit their caring responsibilities so they can combine paid work and unpaid care.”
Sir Stephen added: “Unpaid carers may continue to be able to receive benefits if they choose to combine their caring responsibilities with paid work, meaning they can increase their overall income (eligibility rules apply).
“Carers (providing at least 35 hours per week) of severely disabled people may be eligible for Universal Credit Carer Element and/or Carer’s Allowance. They are not required to undertake any work-related activity, but can access employment support on a voluntary basis if they wish.”
It’s important to be aware that the weekly earnings limit for people on Carer’s Allowance is £151. More details about claiming Universal Credit if you are providing unpaid care can be found on the Carers UK website here.
Claiming support
If you are providing 35 hours of care each week, you may be entitled to Carer’s Allowance or Carer Support Payment. This is a devolved benefit gradually replacing Carer’s Allowance for people in Scotland.
The new benefit has already launched in more than a dozen council areas across Scotland and is set to roll out nationwide from November 4, 2024.
Eligible carers who live in areas where Carer Support Payment is not yet available are being urged to still apply for Carer’s Allowance from DWP to make sure they don’t miss out on financial support.
Carer Support Payment is also available to more student carers. Some 16 to 19-year-old carers in full-time ‘non-advanced’ education, such as school, are also eligible to claim the benefit.
In addition, some carers – mostly full-time students – can now have their benefit payments backdated to when Carer Support Payment was first introduced in November 2023.
Carer Support Payment rollout timetable
Available to claim now:
- Perth & Kinross
- Dundee City
- Na h-Eileanan Siar (Western Isles)
- North and South Lanarkshire
- Angus
- Fife
- Aberdeen
- Aberdeenshire
- Moray
- North, East and South Ayrshire
November 4 – Available across Scotland
You can also use the online postcode checker here to see if applications are open in your area.
Backdated payments
Special backdating rules for the Carer Support Payment roll out mean that carers who are not eligible for Carer’s Allowance but are eligible for Carer Support Payment can apply to have their payments backdated to the date Carer Support Payment first became available.
Social Security Scotland said this stops carers missing out on money they are entitled to because they live in an area included in the later phases of the rollout.
The main group to benefit will be carers aged 16-19 in full-time ‘advanced’ education (such as university), and carers aged over 20 in full-time education at any level.
To get fully backdated payments, carers must apply within 13 weeks of the benefit becoming available in their area.
Carers may still be able to get fully backdated support after this if they have a good reason for missing the deadline.