Carers across the UK provide essential, unpaid support to family members and loved ones with health conditions or disabilities. If you’re one of them, you may be entitled to Carer’s Allowance—a benefit to help support your time and effort.
The government has announced a new earnings limit coming into effect from 7 April 2025, allowing carers to earn up to £196 per week (after certain deductions) and still claim the benefit. This is a welcomed change for many who balance part-time work with caring responsibilities.
Here’s what you need to know.
What Is Carer’s Allowance?
Carer’s Allowance is a taxable benefit for people who spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone receiving a qualifying disability benefit, such as:
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Attendance Allowance
Currently, the weekly Carer’s Allowance is £81.90 (2024/25 rate), which is paid every four weeks.
New Update from April 2025: Increased Earnings Limit
From 7 April 2025, the earnings threshold will rise from £139 to £196 per week. This means you can work part-time and earn more without losing your Carer’s Allowance—a significant improvement that recognises the increasing cost of living and allows more flexibility for working carers.
What Counts Towards Earnings?
HMRC allows certain deductions from your gross weekly earnings, which means your take-home pay could be higher than £196/week in reality. The following are deductible:
- Tax and National Insurance contributions
- Half of pension contributions
- Some costs related to work (e.g., replacing tools, specialist clothing)
So, if your gross income exceeds £196 but you have eligible deductions, you might still qualify.
Who Can Claim Carer’s Allowance?
You may be eligible if all the following apply:
- You're 16 or over
- You spend 35+ hours a week caring for someone
- The person you care for receives a qualifying disability benefit
- You earn £196/week or less (after deductions from April 2025)
- You're not in full-time education
- You don’t receive certain other benefits that overlap (though you may still get a Carer’s Premium)
How to Apply
You can apply for Carer’s Allowance online via the official GOV.UK Carer’s Allowance service. It usually takes about 30 minutes, and you'll need:
- Your National Insurance number
- Employment and income details
- Details of the person you care for
What Happens If You Go Over the Earnings Limit?
If your earnings go over £196/week, even by a small amount and after deductions, you may lose your Carer’s Allowance entitlement for that week. This is why it’s important to monitor your income carefully.
We recommend keeping detailed records of all work-related deductions and speaking to a tax adviser or accountant if you're unsure.
Can You Still Get Other Benefits?
Yes. You may also qualify for:
- Carer’s Premium (added to Universal Credit, Pension Credit, etc.)
- Council Tax Reduction
- Support with energy bills or cost of living payments
- Universal credit
However, receiving Carer’s Allowance can affect the benefits of the person you care for, so it’s worth checking with an adviser.
Tips for Managing Work and Carer’s Allowance
- Track your weekly income and allowable deductions to avoid going over the limit.
- Choose part-time work with consistent hours or fixed pay where possible.
- Use a qualified accountant or benefits adviser to help with record keeping and planning.
Final Thoughts
The increase in the Carer’s Allowance earnings limit to £196/week from April 2025 is a welcome support for many hardworking carers in the UK. It gives you greater flexibility to earn while caring, easing financial pressure during a time when many households are feeling the effects of inflation and rising costs.
If you’re unsure whether you qualify, or how the new rules affect you, speak to a professional who can guide you through your tax and benefit entitlements.
