The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) confirmed that changes to Carer’s Allowance payments will take effect from Friday morning, May 22. Due to the late May Bank Holiday on Monday, May 25, the DWP will make payments earlier than usual to ensure claimants receive their benefits on time.
Carer’s Allowance, currently valued at £345.80 per month, is one of the benefits impacted by this adjustment. Eligible carers can receive £86.45 per week if they provide at least 35 hours of care weekly to someone receiving certain benefits. Notably, claimants do not need to be related to or live with the person they care for.
The DWP clarified that payments will not increase for caring for multiple individuals, and if more than one person cares for the same individual, only one carer can claim Carer’s Allowance. Claimants have the option to receive payments either weekly in advance or every four weeks, with funds transferred directly to a bank account.
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In addition to Carer’s Allowance updates, the Carer Element of Universal Credit rose from £201.68 to £209.34 per month in April, and the Carer Addition for Pension Credit increased from £46.40 to £48.15.
Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK, welcomed the rise in the earnings threshold for Carer’s Allowance, noting it has now surpassed £200 a week for the first time. She emphasized the importance of linking this threshold to 16 times the National Living Wage, offering carers greater financial clarity and flexibility.
However, Walker highlighted that Carer’s Allowance remains the lowest benefit of its kind, with 62% of recipients living in poverty and 90% feeling it does not provide adequate financial support. Carers UK continues to advocate for a full review of Carer’s Allowance and its eligibility to ensure carers receive sustainable, long-term assistance.