The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has officially confirmed an increase in Carer’s Allowance to £83.30 per week starting April 2025 equating to around £333 per month. This adjustment, which reflects a 1.7% rise, is part of the UK government’s annual benefits uprating to account for inflation.

The increase aims to provide greater financial support for the country’s estimated 5.7 million unpaid carers, many of whom juggle caregiving responsibilities with employment, education, or personal commitments.

What Is Carer’s Allowance?

Carer’s Allowance is a non-contributory benefit offered by the UK government to individuals who provide regular care for someone with a disability or long-term health condition. It is one of the few state benefits specifically designed to support unpaid carers people who often sacrifice income and career prospects to support a loved one.

With the updated rate from April 2025, eligible carers will now receive £83.30 per week, up from £76.75 in 2024. Over the course of a year, this adds up to over £4,330 annually, offering modest but vital financial relief.

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify for the 2025 Carer’s Allowance, claimants must meet all of the following criteria:

• Age: Be 16 years old or over.
• Caring Hours: Provide at least 35 hours of care per week for a person receiving a qualifying disability benefit.
• Earnings Limit: Earn £196 or less per week after tax, National Insurance, and allowable expenses.
• Education: Not be in full-time education (defined as more than 21 hours per week of supervised study).
• Residency: Reside in England, Scotland, or Wales, or be abroad as a member of the UK Armed Forces.

Qualifying Disability Benefits

The person being cared for must receive one of the following qualifying benefits:

• Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – daily living component
• Disability Living Allowance (DLA) – middle or highest care rate
• Attendance Allowance
• Armed Forces Independence Payment
• Constant Attendance Allowance (at the basic or full day rate)

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted online, by post, or through certain job centres. The online process is the most efficient and typically takes about 30 minutes.

• Apply here: www.gov.uk/carers-allowance/how-to-claim

You’ll need:

• Your National Insurance number
• Details about your employment or education
• Information about the person you care for
• Bank or building society details

Note: You don’t have to be related to the person you care for or live with them in order to qualify.

Can You Get Other Benefits Too?

Carer’s Allowance can affect other benefits both you and the person you care for receive. For example:

• You may qualify for Carer’s Credit, which helps protect your State Pension.
• Receiving Carer’s Allowance might reduce the amount of Universal Credit or other income-related benefits.
• The person you care for might lose part of their Severe Disability Premium if you receive Carer’s Allowance.

To see how Carer’s Allowance could affect your overall benefit entitlement, it’s best to use the Carer’s Allowance calculator or speak to a welfare advisor.

Recognition of Unpaid Carers

Charities and carers’ advocacy groups have welcomed the increase, though many continue to stress that more substantial reform is needed. Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK, noted:

While the uplift is a step in the right direction, it still falls short of recognising the value unpaid carers bring to society. Many are still facing financial hardship and difficult choices.

According to Carers UK, unpaid carers save the government over £160 billion annually through their contributions.

Additional Support and Resources

Those receiving Carer’s Allowance may also be eligible for:

• Council Tax reductions
• Support with NHS costs (prescriptions and dental care)
• Warm Home Discount Scheme
• Access to Carer’s Assessments for local authority support

For more on what help is available, check NHS – Support and benefits for carers.

Final Thoughts

The Carer’s Allowance increase from April 2025 provides a small but meaningful rise in support for the UK’s army of unpaid carers. While many are calling for further financial and structural reform, the updated allowance is a clear acknowledgment of the essential and often invisible role carers play in the nation’s healthcare ecosystem.

If you believe you qualify, consider applying as soon as possible to begin receiving support.