Carer's Allowance Rates 2026/27: How Much You Get and Who Can Claim
A weekly payment if you care for someone at least 35 hours a week, whatever your savings, as long as you earn under the limit. The current rate is £86.45 a week.
Carer's Allowance
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Weekly payment | £86.45 |
| Earnings limit (after tax, National Insurance and expenses), a week | £204.00 |
How to claim Carer's Allowance on GOV.UK
Who can claim Carer's Allowance
- You care for someone at least 35 hours a week.
- The person you care for gets a qualifying disability benefit, such as PIP daily living, the middle or highest rate of DLA care, or Attendance Allowance.
- Your earnings are £204 or less a week after deductions.
- You are not in full-time education and not subject to immigration control.
Key facts
| Topic | What to know |
|---|---|
| Hours | You must care for someone for at least 35 hours a week. |
| Earnings limit | Your earnings must be £204 a week or less after tax, National Insurance and expenses. |
| Education | You must not be in full-time education or studying for 21 hours a week or more. |
How to claim and how you are paid
Claim on GOV.UK. Carer's Allowance can affect other benefits the person you care for gets, so check first. In Scotland the equivalent is Carer Support Payment.
Check what else you could be owed
You may be able to claim other help alongside Carer's Allowance. GOV.UK has a free benefits calculator that works out what you could get, and our benefit rates for 2026/27 page lists every main rate. See also the childcare help calculator and the Child Benefit charge calculator.
Source: GOV.UK: Carer's Allowance, rates from April 2026. Rates and rules can differ in Scotland and Northern Ireland, where some benefits are devolved. This is general information, not advice about your own claim. Read how we check our figures.
Frequently asked questions
How much is Carer's Allowance in 2026/27?
It is £86.45 a week.
How much can I earn on Carer's Allowance?
Up to £204 a week after tax, National Insurance and expenses such as some care costs and pension contributions.
How many hours do I need to care?
At least 35 hours a week.
How do I claim Carer's Allowance?
Claim on GOV.UK. Carer's Allowance can affect other benefits the person you care for gets, so check first. In Scotland the equivalent is Carer Support Payment.
Figures from official sources, checked 2026-10-08. How we check our figures · About UK Answers · Report a mistake
Figures are for the 2026/27 tax year from official sources and are estimates for guidance only, not financial or legal advice. Printed from ukanswers.co.uk.