The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that a change to Carer's Allowance payments will take effect from Friday morning. Thousands of claimants across the UK will receive £345 payments into their bank accounts on Friday, May 22, as the benefit is paid early due to the late May Bank Holiday weekend. Monday, May 25, is a Bank Holiday, prompting the DWP to adjust payment dates.
What is Carer's Allowance?
Carer's Allowance is worth £86.45 per week, or £345.80 per month, and is available to individuals who care for someone for at least 35 hours a week. The person being cared for must receive certain benefits. 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."
Payment details and eligibility
Claimants can choose to receive payments weekly in advance or every four weeks. Payments are made directly into a bank account. The DWP notes: "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."
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)."
Recent increases to carer support
From April, the Carer Element of Universal Credit rose from £201.68 to £209.34 per month, and the Carer Addition for Pension Credit increased by £46.40 to £48.15. These changes are part of ongoing adjustments to welfare support for carers.
Reaction from Carers UK
Helen Walker, Chief Executive at Carers UK, welcomed the changes but highlighted ongoing challenges. She said: "This is the first time that the Carer's Allowance earnings threshold has risen above £200 a week and is a welcome increase for the many people juggling work and care. The Government's decision last year to link the earnings threshold to 16 times the National Living Wage gives carers much-needed clarity and means carers do not have to cut back their hours when the National Living Wage increases."
However, she added: "Despite this increase, Carer's Allowance remains the lowest benefit of its kind. 62% of carers receiving Carer's Allowance live in poverty, and 90% of carers do not think the benefit offers sufficient financial support. Carers UK continues to call for a full review of Carer's Allowance, including its eligibility criteria, to ensure the benefit offers carers the sustainable, long-term support they need."
