Can I Claim PIP for Myself and Carer’s Allowance for My Son?

Can I Claim PIP for Myself and Carer’s Allowance for My Son? Understanding Your Entitlements in the UK

Navigating the UK benefits system can feel like decoding a complex puzzle, especially when you’re trying to figure out if you’re entitled to claim more than one benefit. A common question many parents ask is: “Can I claim PIP for myself and Carer’s Allowance for my son?” The answer is yes – but with conditions. In this blog, we’ll explain how these benefits work, whether you can receive them together, and what to watch out for.

What Is PIP and Who Is It For?

A Quick Look at Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Personal Independence Payment, or PIP, is a non-means-tested benefit provided by the UK government to help with extra costs caused by long-term disability or health conditions. It is not affected by your income or savings, and it can be claimed whether you’re working or not.

Who Qualifies for PIP in the UK?

To qualify for PIP, you must:

• Be aged 16 or over and under State Pension age

• Have a health condition or disability that has affected your daily life or mobility for at least 3 months and is expected to continue for another 9 months

• Pass the daily living and/or mobility assessment criteria

How Does PIP Support Individuals With Disabilities?

PIP comes in two components:

You may get either or both components depending on how your condition affects you.

What Is Carer’s Allowance and How Does It Work?

Who Is Eligible to Claim Carer’s Allowance?

Carer’s Allowance is a benefit for people who spend at least 35 hours per week caring for someone who receives a qualifying disability benefit. In this case, you may be eligible to clam carer’s allowance for your son if he gets Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or PIP.

Read This: Can I Claim Carer’s Allowance for Myself?

Does Your Son Need to Receive a Qualifying Disability Benefit?

Yes. To claim Carer’s Allowance, the person you care for (your son) must receive one of the following:

• Personal Independence Payment (daily living component)

• Disability Living Allowance (middle or highest care rate)

• Attendance Allowance

How Much Can You Receive as a Carer in 2025?

You cannot earn more than £151 per week (after deductions) from work if you want to continue receiving this allowance.

Can You Claim Both PIP and Carer’s Allowance Together?

What the DWP Says About Dual Claims

Yes, you can claim PIP for yourself and Carer’s Allowance for your son, as long as you meet the separate criteria for both benefits. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) allows this because PIP is for your personal needs, while Carer’s Allowance is for the care you provide to someone else.

Does Claiming Both Affect the Benefit Cap or Other Entitlements?

Receiving both could impact means-tested benefits such as:

• Universal Credit

• Housing Benefit

• Income Support

However, Carer’s Allowance itself is taxable, and it may reduce other benefits through the overlapping benefits rule.

Common Scenarios – Claiming PIP for Yourself and Carer’s Allowance for Your Child

Many parents of disabled children successfully:

• Claim PIP due to their own health conditions

• Receive Carer’s Allowance for the care they provide to their child

• Still qualify for Child Benefit, Universal Credit, and Council Tax Reduction

What Are the Eligibility Criteria in This Situation?

Are You Caring for Someone for at Least 35 Hours a Week?

You must be providing 35 hours or more of care each week for your child. This includes help with:

• Personal care

• Medication

• Mobility

• Emotional support

Does Your Income and Other Benefits Affect Carer’s Allowance?

Yes. If you earn more than £151/week (after deductions), you won’t qualify for Carer’s Allowance. Also, if you’re receiving certain benefits (like a State Pension), you may not receive the full amount due to overlapping benefits.

What If Both You and Your Child Claim PIP?

That’s fine. If both you and your son qualify for PIP, and your son’s condition requires care, you can:

• Receive your own PIP

• Claim Carer’s Allowance for the care you provide to him

What Should You Watch Out For When Claiming Both?

Overlapping Benefits Rule – What It Means

The overlapping benefits rule may reduce the total amount you receive if you’re entitled to two income-based benefits at the same time. For example, if you’re already receiving:

• Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

• Income Support

Claiming Carer’s Allowance may reduce or cancel part of those.

Will You Still Qualify for Full Universal Credit or Housing Benefit?

Possibly. Universal Credit can include a carer element, but if you receive Carer’s Allowance, the UC amount may be adjusted. It’s worth using an online calculator to estimate your exact entitlement.

Potential Impact on Tax Credits and Pension Credit

If you or your partner are receiving Working Tax Credit or Pension Credit, claiming Carer’s Allowance could change the award amount or trigger a reassessment.

Frequently Asked Questions Around PIP and Carer’s Allowance

Can I Get Paid for Caring for My Son and Still Claim PIP for Myself?

Yes – you can claim Carer’s Allowance for your child while also receiving PIP for your own condition, provided you meet the eligibility rules for both.

Will I Lose PIP If I Start Receiving Carer’s Allowance?

No, not necessarily. Your PIP claim is separate, and receiving Carer’s Allowance doesn’t disqualify you. However, if you receive the daily living component of PIP and someone else is also getting Carer’s Allowance for caring for you, your PIP may be slightly reduced.

What Happens If I Start Earning More While Claiming Both?

If your income from work exceeds £151 per week, you’ll lose Carer’s Allowance. PIP, however, is not affected by income or employment.

Tips for Managing Claims and Avoiding Rejections

Here are a few tips to help you manage your claims:

• ✅ Use the Turn2us or EntitledTo calculators

• ✅ Keep records of all medical documents and assessments

• ✅ Get advice from Scope, Citizens Advice, or your local council

• ✅ Double-check eligibility for overlapping benefits

• ✅ Inform DWP of any changes in income, employment, or care hours

Conclusion: Understanding Your Rights as a Parent and a Carer

Claiming PIP for yourself and Carer’s Allowance for your son is entirely possible, provided you meet the criteria for each benefit. It’s a situation many families across the UK find themselves in, especially when managing their own health while caring for a disabled child. Make sure to stay informed, keep up with eligibility changes, and use trusted resources to support your claims.

Understanding your rights helps you avoid costly mistakes and ensures you get the support your family is entitled to.