More than one million people claiming Carer’s Allowance are being urged to take action before Tuesday amid proposed changes to the benefit. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has opened a consultation, emphasising that the responses will shape any forthcoming reforms.
These proposals follow findings from the Sayce Review, which highlighted significant issues within the Carer’s Allowance system inherited from the previous Conservative government. The review criticised the lack of clear guidance on how fluctuating earnings are averaged, leading many carers to unintentionally accumulate debts. It also noted that the current earnings threshold has not adapted to reflect modern working patterns.
Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability, emphasised the vital role of unpaid carers, stating: “Unpaid carers are the backbone of our communities - quietly providing support that makes an enormous difference to the lives of those they love.”
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He added, “They deserve a system and level of support that properly reflects the contribution they make, and we are determined to deliver that. This call for evidence is our commitment to going further - and to making sure carers’ voices shape every step of what comes next.”
Emily Holzhausen CBE, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at Carers UK, welcomed the consultation and stressed the need for reform. She commented: “We need to see further reform to Carer’s Allowance because the current system is outdated and no longer reflects the realities of caring today.”
Holzhausen highlighted the difficulties carers face due to “inflexible rules around the earnings limit which are hard to navigate for carers with fluctuating earnings and can dissuade some from claiming what they are entitled to altogether.”
She continued, “We welcome the government’s call to gather further evidence around this and its acknowledgement that Carer’s Allowance, which was first introduced 50 years ago, should be a priority for change to better support those who contribute so much to society. Caring is not a one-size-fits-all experience, and so it’s important that the government hears from as many people as possible on this topic in the next six weeks.”
The consultation remains open until 18 August 2026. Carers, their representative organisations, and anyone with relevant experience are encouraged to participate to ensure their perspectives help shape future policy.