Are you eligible for Carers Allowance or Carers Credit?

If you are helping someone regularly with their daily tasks and you are not paid to do it the you are an 'unpaid carer'. You don't need to live with the person you are caring for. Tasks such as washing, dressing or helping them take their medication all count as carer duties.

Other activities like taking a person out shopping or to the doctors, doing their laundry, cleaning or paying bills also count as 'caring'. Even providing emotional support by keeping someone company is a 'caring' activity.

Financial help is available for carers.  The Carers Allowance and Carers Credit are Government benefits. You have to meet strict criteria but if you are not claiming these already you should check to see if you are eligible.

Carers allowance

This allowance is means tested and only available to those aged 16 or over, who spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone. The care can include:

• helping with washing and cooking
• taking the person you care for to a doctor’s appointment
• helping with household tasks, like managing bills and shopping

You will only be eligible for Carer’s Allowance if you and the person you care for meet certain criteria. For example, the person you care for must already be receiving a benefit such as attendance allowance. 

Carers credit

You could get Carer’s Credit if you are caring for someone for at least 20 hours a week You must be over 16 but under state pension age. Your income, savings or investments will not affect eligibility for Carer’s Credit.

Carer’s Credit is a National Insurance credit that helps with gaps in your National Insurance record. You will only be eligible for carers allowance if the person you care for also meets certain criteria such as receiving a benefit such as attendance allowance.