Carer's Allowance

Carer's Allowance is usually the first benefit that names you as a carer, rather than your child as a patient. You can normally claim it if your child gets Disability Living Allowance Disability Living Allowance for children A benefit that helps when your child needs much more care, or watching over, than other children the same age. Your child does not need a diagnosis to get it. Read the full definition of Disability Living Allowance for children at the middle or highest care rate, or the equivalent in Child Disability Payment Child Disability Payment Money to help with the extra costs of a disabled child in Scotland. It has taken the place of DLA for children there. Read the full definition of Child Disability Payment , and you care for them for 35 or more hours a week. That is why the DLA award letter often mentions it: the two benefits only make sense together.

Two cautions matter. There is a strict earnings limit, and going over it, even slightly, can mean being asked to pay money back later, so check the current limit before you claim and report every change in your pay straight away. And if you get certain other benefits, Carer's Allowance may not be paid on top, but claiming can still be worth it: an underlying entitlement can increase other support you get. A benefits adviser can check your position for free.