Carer's Allowance 2026/27: Rates, Earnings Limit and How to Claim
Updated October 2026 with the 2026/27 rates.
Carer's Allowance is the main benefit for people who provide unpaid care to a friend or family member. If you spend at least 35 hours a week looking after someone who receives certain disability benefits, you may be able to claim it.
How much is Carer's Allowance in 2026/27?
From April 2026, Carer's Allowance is £86.45 a week, up from £83.30 in 2025/26. Over a full year that is around £4,495.
How much can you earn and still claim?
The earnings limit for 2026/27 is £204 a week, up from £196. The limit is now linked to 16 hours a week at the National Living Wage, so it rises automatically when the minimum wage does.
The limit applies to your earnings after allowable deductions, not your gross pay. Deductions include income tax, National Insurance, half of any pension contributions, and some care costs.
There is still a cliff edge. If your earnings go even slightly over the limit in a week, you lose that week's payment entirely. If your pay varies, keep a close eye on it and report changes promptly.
Who is eligible?
To qualify, you must:
be 16 or over
spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone
earn no more than £204 a week after deductions
not be in full-time education
normally live in the UK
The person you care for must receive one of these:
the daily living component of Personal Independence Payment
the middle or highest care rate of Disability Living Allowance
Constant Attendance Allowance at or above the normal maximum rate
Armed Forces Independence Payment
You do not need to live with the person you care for, or be related to them. Only one person can claim Carer's Allowance for the same person being cared for.
If your parent has not yet claimed Attendance Allowance or PIP, that usually comes first. Our guide to Attendance Allowance or PIP explains which applies.
How it affects other benefits
State Pension. You cannot be paid Carer's Allowance in full alongside a State Pension of the same amount or more. You may still have what is called an underlying entitlement, which can increase Pension Credit and other means-tested help, so it is worth claiming anyway.
Universal Credit. If you care for someone for at least 35 hours a week, you may get the carer element of Universal Credit, which has no earnings limit.
Pension Credit. Carers can get an extra amount added to Pension Credit.
The person you care for. Your claim does not reduce their Attendance Allowance or PIP. If they get means-tested benefits with a severe disability addition, though, your claim can affect that, so check before you apply.
Benefit cap. Households where someone gets Carer's Allowance are exempt from the benefit cap.
The overpayment review
In 2025 the government accepted that unclear guidance had left many carers with large overpayment debts, often because irregular earnings pushed them over the limit in individual weeks without their realising. Earnings-related overpayment cases are being reviewed, with debts reduced or written off where they were overstated. If you have an outstanding Carer's Allowance overpayment, contact the DWP or Citizens Advice.
Is Carer's Allowance taxable?
Yes, it counts as taxable income. On its own it sits well below the personal allowance, but combined with other income it can take you over, in which case HMRC usually collects the tax through your tax code.
How to apply
You can apply online at GOV.UK. You will need your National Insurance number, bank details, details of any earnings, and details of the benefit the person you care for receives. Claims can usually be backdated up to three months if you met the conditions during that time.
A few questions carers often ask
Can I get Carer's Allowance if I work?
Yes, as long as your earnings after deductions are £204 a week or less in 2026/27.
Can two of us claim for the same parent?
No. Only one person can claim for the same person, even if the caring is shared.
Can I claim if I care for two people?
You can add together the hours you spend caring for one person only. You cannot combine hours across two people to reach 35.
What if I take a break from caring?
Short breaks are allowed. You can usually have up to four weeks off in any six months, or longer if the person you care for is in hospital, without losing the payment.
Looking after yourself too
Carer's Allowance recognises how much unpaid carers do, but it does not make the work lighter. If caring for a parent is wearing you down, our guide to signs you need a break from caring and our page on respite at home are a good place to start.
Figures are for the 2026/27 tax year. Always check current rates on GOV.UK or with Citizens Advice.
