If you receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP), you might be wondering: “I get PIP – can I claim Carer’s Allowance too?” You’re not alone—many people across the UK ask this question. The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. It depends on who you’re caring for, your income, and how much time you dedicate to care.
In this detailed guide, you’ll find out:
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Whether your PIP status allows you to claim Carer’s Allowance
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What the eligibility rules are
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How much you can receive
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How to apply
Let’s break it all down.
What Is PIP and Carer’s Allowance?
Understanding Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a UK benefit designed for people who need help with daily living or getting around due to a long-term illness or disability. It’s split into two parts:
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Daily Living Component
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Mobility Component
PIP is not means-tested, which means it doesn’t depend on your income or savings. It’s based on how your condition affects your life, not on your diagnosis.
What Does Carer’s Allowance Cover?
Carer’s Allowance is for people who spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone with a disability. This benefit helps carers manage financially if their caregiving affects their ability to work or earn.
Unlike PIP, Carer’s Allowance is means-tested, so your income matters.
How Do These Benefits Interact?
Here’s the key thing to remember:
PIP is for the person with a disability, and Carer’s Allowance is for the person who looks after them.
So if you receive PIP, you cannot claim Carer’s Allowance for yourself. However, if you also care for someone else who gets PIP, you might be eligible to claim Carer’s Allowance for them.
Can You Claim Carer’s Allowance If You Get PIP?
Eligibility Criteria for Carer’s Allowance
To claim Carer’s Allowance in the UK, you must meet these requirements:
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Be aged 16 or over
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Spend at least 35 hours per week caring for someone
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The person you care for must be getting PIP (Daily Living), DLA (middle/high rate care) or Attendance Allowance
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Your earnings after tax and deductions must be £151 or less per week (2025)
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Not be in full-time education (21+ hours per week)
Note: You can’t be paid Carer’s Allowance if you’re already receiving a benefit that overlaps, like State Pension, unless the Carer’s Allowance is worth more.
Does Receiving PIP Affect Your Eligibility?
If you’re receiving PIP, it doesn’t automatically entitle you to Carer’s Allowance. But if you care for someone else who qualifies, and meet all other conditions, you can apply for it.
You cannot claim Carer’s Allowance to care for yourself.
Can You Be a Carer and Receive PIP at the Same Time?
Yes, you can receive PIP for your own needs, and Carer’s Allowance for caring for someone else. It’s not very common, but it is possible—especially in households where family members look after each other.
Who Can Claim Carer’s Allowance?
Are You the Carer or the Person Being Cared For?
Carer’s Allowance is only for the carer. If you are receiving PIP, someone else (a relative, friend, or partner) may be able to claim Carer’s Allowance for looking after you.
How Many Hours of Care Are Required Weekly?
You must provide at least 35 hours of care per week. This care can be:
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Physical assistance
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Emotional support
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Help with medical routines
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Meal preparation
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Supervision for safety
You do not need to live with the person or be related to them.
What Counts as ‘Care’?
Here’s a list of tasks that qualify as care:
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Helping with washing, dressing, or feeding
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Managing medication or attending medical appointments
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Preparing meals
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Ensuring safety and supervision
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Helping with household admin and mobility
How Much Is Carer’s Allowance in the UK?
Carer’s Allowance Rate in 2025
In the 2025/26 tax year, Carer’s Allowance is £81.90 per week. This amount is taxable and may affect other benefits.
| Allowance | Weekly Rate (2025) |
|---|---|
| Carer’s Allowance | £81.90 |
| Carer’s Premium (for means-tested benefits) | £45.60 approx. |
Income Rules and Earnings Threshold
Your take-home earnings after tax, National Insurance, and expenses must be £151 or less per week to qualify.
Examples of deductions you can subtract from your earnings include:
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Business expenses (if self-employed)
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50% of your pension contributions
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Care costs for a child or disabled adult (up to £123/week)
Go over the limit by even £1, and you could lose the entire benefit.
Will It Affect Other Benefits Like Universal Credit?
Yes, claiming Carer’s Allowance may reduce other benefits like:
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Housing Benefit
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Income Support
But it might entitle you to Carer’s Premium, which boosts the amount you receive in other benefits.
How Do You Apply for Carer’s Allowance?
Application Methods
There are two main ways to apply:
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Online at GOV.UK
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By post using a paper application form (available from the Carer’s Allowance Unit)
Documents You’ll Need
Be prepared with the following:
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Your National Insurance number
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Details of the person you care for (including their DOB and benefit number)
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Employment details and income information
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Course details if you’re a student
How Long Does the Process Take?
Applications typically take 3–6 weeks to process. In some cases, you can request the claim to be backdated by up to 3 months.
What Are The Key Considerations and Mistakes to Avoid In Carers Allowance?
Watch for Overlapping Benefits
You can’t receive Carer’s Allowance and full State Pension together. If your pension is higher than the Carer’s Allowance, you won’t get paid the benefit—but you may get an “underlying entitlement,” which could increase other benefits.
Report Changes Promptly
You must inform the DWP if:
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The person you care for goes into hospital
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Your income increases
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You stop caring for the person
Failing to do so could result in overpayments, which must be repaid.
Seek Help When Unsure
Organisations such as Citizens Advice, Turn2Us, and Scope UK offer free benefit checks and application support.
Conclusion
So, “I get PIP – can I claim Carer’s Allowance?” The short answer is:
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✅ Yes, if you care for someone else receiving a qualifying benefit
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❌ No, you can’t claim it for caring for yourself
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💡 If someone cares for you, they might be able to claim Carer’s Allowance
Be sure to:
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Understand all eligibility requirements
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Monitor your income limits
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Apply correctly through official channels
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Seek advice if your situation is complex
You could be entitled to financial support you’re missing out on—so don’t leave it to guesswork.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can more than one person claim Carer’s Allowance for the same person?
No. Only one person at a time can claim Carer’s Allowance for someone receiving PIP or other qualifying benefits.
Can you get Carer’s Credit if you don’t qualify for Carer’s Allowance?
Yes! If you provide 20+ hours of care per week, you might be eligible for Carer’s Credit, which protects your State Pension record.
What happens if the PIP award ends?
If the person you care for stops receiving PIP (Daily Living), your Carer’s Allowance will also stop. Always report changes to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) as soon as possible.
