This is an income replacement benefit for people who are caring for someone who receives Attendance Allowance or the middle or highest rate of the care component of Disability Living Allowance. The client must be caring for the disabled person for at least 35 hours per week. If the client is also doing paid work, earnings must be less than £95 per week. Some of a person’s earnings may be disregarded when calculating this if s/he pays someone (other than a close relative) to care for the disabled person when at work.
Carer’s Allowance cannot be paid at the same time and to the same person as any other income replacement benefit. A client who receives another income replacement benefit (eg Retirement Pension) will still need to claim Carer’s Allowance in order to qualify for the carer’s premium or element included in certain means-tested benefits or tax credits.
Directgov guide to Carer's Allowance
Department of Work and Pensions disability and carers service
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