DWP benefit claimants could be missing out on vital support worth £4,200 a year.

The Government has issued a statement about the support available for unpaid carers – advising that some people could get an “additional amount” worth thousands of pounds a year.

Work and pensions minister, Sir Stephen Timms, explained the rules around the financial help on offer for carers, saying that if you claim Carer’s Allowance, you could get higher rates for other benefits.

He said: “In addition to Carer’s Allowance, carers on low incomes can claim income-related benefits, such as Universal Credit and Pension Credit.

“These benefits can be paid to carers at a higher rate than those without caring responsibilities through the carer element and the additional amount for carers respectively.”

Calculating how much extra you could get with these higher rates, he added: “These additional amounts are worth around £2,400 a year.”

Under the rules for Universal Credit, you can get an extra £198.31 a month if you care for someone who receives a health- or disability-related benefit. This adds up to £2,379.72 a year.

You can get the extra amount if the person you care for receives Disability Living Allowance, PIP (Personal Independence Payment) or Attendance Allowance, among other qualifying benefits.

If you claim Pension Credit, you can get an extra £45.60 a week if you care for another adult and in certain circumstances if you get Carer’s Allowance or Carer Support Payment. This would increase your claim by £2,371.20 a year.

Explaining how Carer’s Allowance works, Mr Timms said: “Unpaid carers may be able to receive financial and/or employment support from the department depending on their circumstances.

“Carer’s Allowance provides a measure of financial support and recognition for people who are not able to work full time due to their caring responsibilities.

“The rate of Carer’s Allowance is £81.90 a week in 2024/25, and from April 2025 this will increase by 1.7 percent to £83.30 a week, net of allowable expenses.”

Payment rates are also increasing 1.7 percent next April for Universal Credit and for Pension Credit.

Now is a good time to apply for Pension Credit as if you put in a claim before December 21, you may still qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment this year, which is worth £200 or £300.

This is because claims can be backdated by three months, meaning you can still meet the September qualifying week for the payment.

The payment goes out in November and December.