Starting April 7, 2025, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has rolled out crucial updates to the Carer’s Allowance scheme in the UK. This move aims to better support unpaid carers, many of whom juggle work, family, and care duties without formal recognition or consistent financial aid.
Under the new rules, the weekly Carer’s Allowance payment rises to £83.30, bringing the monthly total to approximately £333.20. In addition, the earnings threshold has increased to £196 per week, giving more flexibility for carers who also work part-time.
Key Changes from April 2025
Increased Weekly Payments
- The weekly Carer’s Allowance payment has risen from £81.90 to £83.30.
- Over a standard four-week period, this equates to around £333.20 per month.
Higher Earnings Limit
- The earnings threshold has been increased from £151 to £196 per week.
- This means you can earn up to £196 weekly after tax, National Insurance, and allowable expenses without losing your allowance.
This change addresses previous concerns that low-earning carers were being penalised for working slightly above the threshold. The government said this measure is part of ongoing efforts to recognise the economic and social value of carers in the UK.
More information is available via The Guardian report on earnings rise.
Who Is Eligible for the £333 Monthly Carer’s Allowance?
To qualify for Carer’s Allowance from April 2025, you must meet the following criteria:
Care Responsibility
- Provide at least 35 hours of care per week for someone with a disability.
Earnings Test
- Earn less than £196 per week after deductions (taxes, NI, pensions, etc.).
Age & Residency
- Be 16 years or older.
- Reside in England, Scotland, or Wales, with two of the last three years spent in the UK.
Education Restrictions
- Must not be in full-time education, defined as 21 or more hours per week.
Person Cared For Must Receive Certain Benefits, such as:
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – daily living component
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA) – middle or highest rate of care
- Attendance Allowance
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Constant Attendance Allowance (War Pension recipients)
For a full list of qualifying benefits, visit the official Carer’s Allowance eligibility page at gov.uk/carers-allowance/eligibility.
How to Apply for Carer’s Allowance
Carers can apply in two primary ways:
Online Application
- Apply at the official government portal: www.gov.uk/carers-allowance
Phone Application
- Call the Carer’s Allowance Unit: 0800 731 0297 (free from most UK landlines and mobiles)
Applicants will need:
- National Insurance number
- Bank or building society details
- Employment and income details
- Information about the person they care for (including their NI number and benefit details)
For additional support, carers can also consult Carers UK or Lottie’s carers allowance guide for up-to-date support options.
Why This Matters
According to Carers UK, there are over 6.5 million unpaid carers in the UK. Many have called for higher recognition and better financial support. This increase in Carer’s Allowance and the earnings threshold helps close the gap between work and care, particularly in the face of rising living costs.
The DWP’s updates in April 2025 are seen as a positive step toward acknowledging the vital contribution carers make to the health and wellbeing of millions across the country.
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
Himanshu Sharma writes for Weekend Spy, focusing on recruitment, government schemes, and current affairs. He is dedicated to making complex information accessible to readers.
Himanshu enjoys playing chess, hiking, and trying new recipes, always seeking ways to combine his love for writing with his passion for exploration. Connect with Drop him an email at [email protected].
