The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced that thousands of households will receive a £345 payment earlier than expected this week. Due to the upcoming late May Bank Holiday on Monday, May 25, DWP offices will be closed, prompting the early release of funds.
Early Payment Details
Eligible claimants who were scheduled to receive their Carer's Allowance on Monday will instead see the money in their accounts on Friday, May 22. This adjustment ensures that beneficiaries are not delayed by the holiday. However, those whose regular payment date falls on a different day will not be affected and will receive their money as usual.
According to the DWP, approximately 1.4 million people across the UK claim Carer's Allowance. This benefit is designed to support individuals who spend at least 35 hours per week caring for someone with an illness or disability.
Payment Amounts and Schedule
Carer's Allowance is paid at a weekly rate of £86.45, which equates to £345.80 per month. Claimants also receive National Insurance credits automatically, which help protect their state pension record. The DWP always pays benefits on the last working day before a bank holiday if the due date falls on the holiday itself.
For more information about payment schedules, claimants can visit the GOV.UK website or log in to their account via the Carer's Allowance service.
What is Carer's Allowance?
The DWP states: "You could get £86.45 a week if you care for someone at least 35 hours a week and they get certain benefits. You do not have to be related to, or live with, the person you care for. You do not get paid extra if you care for more than one person. If someone else also cares for the same person as you, only one of you can claim Carer's Allowance."
Claimants can choose to be paid weekly in advance or every four weeks, with payments made into a bank account or similar account.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for Carer's Allowance, all of the following conditions must be met:
- You care for someone for at least 35 hours per week.
- Your earnings are no more than £204 per week (from April 2026) after deductions such as tax, National Insurance, and certain expenses.
- The person you care for receives a disability benefit.
- You are aged 16 or over.
- You are not in full-time education.
- You meet UK residence and presence conditions and immigration requirements.
Carers UK adds: "If you spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone with an illness or disability, you may be eligible for extra money called Carer's Allowance. It is paid at a rate of £86.45 per week (from April 2026/27)."
