From 7 April 2025, the earnings limit increases from £139 to £196 per week – allowing carers to earn more whilst still claiming benefits.
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.
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:
Currently, the weekly Carer's Allowance is £81.90 (2024/25 rate), which is paid every four weeks.
per week (until 6 April 2025)
per week (from 7 April 2025)
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.
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:
All tax and NI contributions are deductible
Half of your pension contributions
Some costs related to work (e.g., replacing tools, specialist clothing)
Important: So, if your gross income exceeds £196 but you have eligible deductions, you might still qualify.
You may be eligible if all of 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)
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:
You'll need your NI number for the application
Information about your work and earnings
Their personal information and benefit details
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.
Yes. You may also qualify for:
Added to Universal Credit, Pension Credit, etc.
Potential discounts on your council tax
Help with energy bills or cost of living payments
Additional support if eligible
Note: Receiving Carer's Allowance can affect the benefits of the person you care for, so it's worth checking with an adviser.
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.
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 whilst 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.