The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has launched a consultation on Carer's Allowance, and claimants have been warned they must act before Tuesday. The call for evidence, which closes on 18 August 2026, will inform any future changes to the benefit, which is currently claimed by over one million people.
Why the consultation is happening
The DWP is exploring changes after problems within the Carer's Allowance system were laid bare in the landmark Sayce Review. The review, inherited by the Labour Party from the former Conservative Party government, found unclear guidance on averaging fluctuating earnings left carers building up debts without realising. It also found that the earnings limit had failed to keep pace with modern working patterns.
The consultation is part of the government's commitment to reform the benefit, which was first introduced 50 years ago. Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms said: "Unpaid carers are the backbone of our communities — quietly providing support that makes an enormous difference to the lives of those they love."
What the minister and Carers UK say
Sir Stephen 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Public Affairs at Carers UK, said: "We need to see further reform to Carer's Allowance because the current system is outdated and no longer reflects the realities of caring today. This includes 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 welcomed the government's call for evidence and its acknowledgement that Carer's Allowance should be a priority for change. "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," she said.
How to have your say
Carers, their organisations, and anyone with experience of caring are encouraged to have their say before the call for evidence closes on 18 August 2026. The findings will inform any changes and shake-up to the benefit, which is claimed by over one million people across the UK.
