The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is urging those providing unpaid care to family, friends, or neighbours to check their eligibility for means-tested benefits like Universal Credit to bolster their financial circumstances. Labour MP Fabian Hamilton’s enquiry about support for unpaid carers led Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disabilities, to highlight the potential for extra benefit entitlements or Jobcentre assistance for individuals giving less than 35 hours of care per week.

Carers giving a full-time commitment of 35 hours weekly may be entitled to Carer’s Allowance or Carer Support Payment, equating to £81.90 per week or £327.60 over four weeks, in addition to the option of the Universal Credit Carer Element which removes compulsory work activities but still offers voluntary employment support.

Sir Stephen praised the essential contributions of unpaid carers across the country. In his formal response to Mr Hamilton, he recognised: “Unpaid carers play a vital role in supporting elderly or disabled relatives or friends.”

He continued, “Sometimes unpaid carers will need to turn to the benefit system for financial support, so it is right that we keep Carer’s Allowance under review, to see if it is meeting its objectives, and giving unpaid carers the help and support they need and deserve.”

He clarified: “Unpaid carers may be able to receive financial and/or employment support from the Department depending on their circumstances. This includes Carer’s Allowance and means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit,” according to the Daily Record.

He continued: “Those caring for less than 35 hours a week on Universal Credit can receive individualised employment support through their Jobcentre Plus work coach who can tailor work related requirements, such as searching for work, to fit their caring responsibilities so they can combine paid work and unpaid care.”

Sir Stephen said: “Unpaid carers may continue to be able to receive benefits if they choose to combine their caring responsibilities with paid work, meaning they can increase their overall income (eligibility rules apply).”

“Carers (providing at least 35 hours per week) of severely disabled people may be eligible for Universal Credit Carer Element and/or Carer’s Allowance. They are not required to undertake any work-related activity, but can access employment support on a voluntary basis if they wish.”

He pointed out that it’s essential to understand that the weekly earnings limit for individuals receiving Carer’s Allowance is £151.

Claiming support

In Scotland the Carer Support Payment is also available to more student carers. Some carers aged 16 to 19 who are in full-time ‘non-advanced’ education, such as school, can also claim the benefit.

Moreover, certain carers – predominantly full-time students – can now have their benefit payments backdated to when the Carer Support Payment was initially introduced in November 2023. The rollout schedule for the Carer Support Payment is currently open for claims.

Special backdating rules for the Carer Support Payment rollout mean that carers who are not eligible for the Carer’s Allowance but qualify for the Carer Support Payment can request to have their payments backdated to the date the Carer Support Payment first became accessible. Social Security Scotland has stated this ensures carers don’t miss out on money they’re entitled to because they reside in an area included in the later stages of the rollout.

The main beneficiaries will be carers aged 16-19 in full-time ‘advanced’ education (like university), and carers aged over 20 in full-time education at any level. To receive fully backdated payments, carers must apply within 13 weeks of the benefit becoming available in their area.

Carers may still be eligible for fully backdated support after this if they have a valid reason for missing the deadline.