£327 Monthly DWP Unpaid Carer Payment – Check Eligibility and When You’ll Be Paid

Caring for someone full-time without pay is more than a job—it’s a commitment that often goes unnoticed. The UK government recognizes this, offering the Carer’s Allowance—a lifeline for unpaid carers.

This monthly payment of around £327 helps cover essential costs, giving carers a little breathing room while they focus on their loved ones.

Let’s break down what this benefit includes, who qualifies, how to apply, and what other support you might be entitled to.

Overview

Here’s a quick look at the core facts about Carer’s Allowance:

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This payment is meant to ease some financial stress for people dedicating their time to look after someone with long-term health or disability needs.

Eligibility

Wondering if you qualify? Let’s walk through the checklist.

Age

You must be at least 16 years old. Teen carers—even you—can apply if you meet the other conditions.

Caring Hours

You need to be caring for 35 hours per week or more. This includes helping with basic needs like cooking, cleaning, getting dressed, or administering medicine.

Income

Your net income (after tax, NI, and certain expenses) must be under £151 per week. Go over, and you risk losing the allowance.

Education Status

You can’t be in full-time education—meaning anything more than 21 hours a week of supervised study disqualifies you.

Residency

You must live in England, Scotland, or Wales. Northern Ireland has separate rules and benefits.

Disability Benefits

The person you care for must receive one of these:

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• Attendance Allowance
• Disability Living Allowance (middle or high care rate)
• Personal Independence Payment (daily living component)
• Armed Forces Independence Payment

Applying

Applying is pretty straightforward—no need to get overwhelmed.

Gather Info

You’ll need:

• Your National Insurance number
• Your bank details
• Info about your earnings and any studies
• The cared-for person’s benefits details and NI number

Choose Your Method

• Online: Easiest and quickest via gov.uk
• Phone or Post: Call the Carer’s Allowance Unit or request a paper form if needed

Wait for a Decision

Processing can take 6–12 weeks. If approved, payments may be backdated from your application date.

Get Paid

You can choose to be paid weekly or every four weeks. Either way, the money goes straight to your bank.

Payments

Here’s what you can expect financially:

Pick the option that suits your budgeting style best.

Benefits

There’s more than just the base payment. Carer’s Allowance connects with other support too.

Impact

This allowance can affect other benefits, such as:

• May reduce Income Support or Pension Credit
• May increase Universal Credit (if eligible for the Carer’s Element)

Tax Impact

Carer’s Allowance is taxable. If your total income is above the Personal Allowance (currently £12,570), you may owe tax.

National Insurance Credits

You’ll receive Class 1 NI credits, which help build up your State Pension entitlement. It’s like contributing to your future without actually paying money.

Additional Support

Look out for:

• Carer Premium (added to Income Support or Pension Credit)
• Universal Credit Carer Element
• Blue Badge scheme for easier parking if you care for someone with mobility issues

Advice

Let’s get practical. Here are some quick tips to make this journey a little easier:

1. Budget carefully – Keep a spending log to manage your income
2. Tap into local support – Groups like Carers UK offer financial advice and mental health support
3. Find carer discounts – From cinema tickets to groceries, many places offer savings
4. Prioritize your health – Don’t burn out. Take breaks, and seek help when you need it

Caring full-time isn’t easy—but with the right support, it doesn’t have to feel impossible. Carer’s Allowance is one of the ways the UK government says thank you to carers. If you qualify, apply—it could ease some of the financial weight you’re carrying.

FAQs