If you are at least 16 years of age and care for another person for 35 hours per week or more and the person you care for is in receipt of either Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance care component middle or high rate or Personal Independence Payment either rate of the daily living component you may be entitled to Carers Allowance which is currently £67.60 per week.
You are able to work and still claim Carers Allowance but cannot earn more than £128 per week which is increasing to £132 per week form April 2022
If you are in further education which is classed as full time you are not eligible to claim Carers Allowance. If it is only part time and less than 21 hours per week you can claim Carers Allowance
Please remember: It is worth noting that in certain circumstances that making a claim to Carers Allowance can affect the benefits of the person being cared for so, it is worth checking before you make the claim to Carers Allowance.
If you are eligible for Carers Allowance you may also be able to claim Universal Credit to top up Carers Allowance and to cover any housing costs if applicable. This is means tested and depends on income and savings. If you have savings over £16,000 you are not eligible to claim Universal Credit.
You have to be 18 to claim Universal Credit although there are exceptions if you are estranged from your parents or if you have dependent children.
If you are not sure of your eligibility please contact Alan Phizacklea at Blackpool Carers Centre on 01253 393748 and he will provide help and support and explain any potential benefit entitlement
