Carer's Allowance and PIP: How They Work Together (2026)
By the RightfulUK team • • 4 min read • Reviewed for accuracy
If you care for someone who receives PIP, you could be entitled to Carer's Allowance worth £81.90 per week. That's over £4,250 a year for work you're probably already doing.
Here's how it works.
Who Can Claim Carer's Allowance?
You can claim if:
✅ You care for someone for at least 35 hours a week ✅ The person you care for gets PIP Daily Living (standard or enhanced) OR Attendance Allowance ✅ You earn £151 or less per week (after deductions) ✅ You're 16 or over ✅ You're not in full-time education (21+ hours)
You DON'T need to: - Live with the person - Be related to them - Be their only carer - Have any qualifications
How Much Is Carer's Allowance?
£81.90 per week (2025/26 rate)
That's £4,258.80 per year.
Plus: - It counts as a National Insurance credit (protects your State Pension) - It can unlock Carer's Premium on other benefits (extra £45.60/week on UC) - It provides official recognition of your caring role
Carer's Allowance can be paid on top of Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, and Council Tax Reduction.
Does Carer's Allowance Affect PIP?
No. Someone claiming Carer's Allowance for you does NOT affect your PIP payments. You still get your full PIP amount.
However, Carer's Allowance CAN affect the carer's other benefits: - If the carer receives means-tested benefits, Carer's Allowance is counted as income - BUT the Carer's Premium usually offsets this - Always check with Citizens Advice or a benefits calculator before claiming
How to Claim
Apply online at gov.uk/carers-allowance. You'll need:
- Your details (name, NI number, bank details) - Details of the person you care for (name, NI number) - Proof they receive PIP Daily Living or Attendance Allowance - Details of your employment and earnings (if any)
The claim takes about 20 minutes online. Decisions usually take 2-4 weeks.
Important: Carer's Allowance can be backdated up to 3 months if you were eligible earlier.
What Counts as 'Caring'?
The 35 hours per week doesn't have to be hands-on physical care. It includes:
- Cooking and preparing meals - Helping with washing and dressing - Supervising to keep them safe - Managing medication - Taking them to appointments - Shopping and housework - Emotional support and companionship - Being on standby in case they need help
Many family members easily meet the 35-hour threshold without realising it.
Related Articles
- Helping Someone with Their PIP Appeal: A Guide for Family and Friends — 5 min read
- Attendance Allowance vs PIP: Which One Should You Claim? — 4 min read
- ESA Work Capability Assessment: What to Expect and How to Prepare — 5 min read
- PIP Denied? Here's Exactly What to Do Next (2026 Guide) — 4 min read
Related Tools & Guides
- Free PIP Eligibility Checker — estimate your likely points
- Mandatory Reconsideration Letter Builder — challenge the DWP decision
- Tribunal Preparation Tool — practice panel questions
- PIP Condition Guides — descriptors for your condition