Financial Support for Carers, Including Carer’s Allowance and Credit

Reviewed by: Dr Jackie Gray, Public Health Expert and Retired GP
(Carents Trusted Reviewer Programme – Last reviewed January 2026)

As a carer, you might be able to get extra financial help, including Carer’s Allowance and Carer’s Credit.

Many people do not see themselves as carers. They think they are “just helping Mum”, “keeping an eye on Dad”, or “doing what any partner would do”. It can be hard to separate the caring work from the relationship you already have. It often takes people around two years to realise that what they do, day after day, is actually unpaid care.

You are a carer if you regularly look after someone because they are ill, ageing or disabled, and you are not paid to do it. You do not need to live with them and you do not need to care full time. Anyone can be a carer, including friends, relatives, spouses and parents.

The following activities count as caring.

Helping with day to day tasks like:

• washing, dressing or taking medicines

• getting someone out and about or taking them to appointments

• shopping, cleaning and laundry

• paying bills and organising money

Providing emotional support such as:

• sitting with someone so they are not alone

• keeping watch if they cannot be left by themselves

The main financial support for carers comes through specific benefits. These include Carer’s Allowance and Carer’s Credit. Both have rules you need to meet, and these rules apply to both you and the person you care for.

Government websites give full details on how each benefit works.

Carer’s Allowance is for people aged 16 or over who spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone. The care you give can include tasks like:

• helping with washing or cooking

• taking someone to medical appointments

• helping with household tasks like managing bills and shopping

Your income can affect whether you get this allowance. The person you care for also needs to receive a qualifying benefit, for example Attendance Allowance.

Carer’s Credit helps fill gaps in the National Insurance record that affects your future State Pension. You might get this if:

• you care for someone for at least 20 hours a week

• you are aged over 16 but under State Pension age

• the person you care for receives a qualifying benefit

Your income, savings and investments do not affect Carer’s Credit.

You might also be able to get other support, such as Universal Credit or Pension Credit. The Government site explains these in full.

You can also look at our guide to financial help, which includes a benefits calculator to help you check what you could get.

Caring for ageing parents can be emotionally heavy and financially draining. Many people end up cutting back work hours or spending their own money on food, travel and daily essentials without realising there is help available.

If you are helping an elderly parent with everyday tasks, you might still qualify for support even if they live in their own home and want to stay independent. Carer’s Allowance and Carer’s Credit are the main options, but you can also look into Council Tax reductions, help with heating costs and local carer grants. These small bits of support can ease some of the pressure when money feels tight.

If you are balancing work and caring, check whether your employer offers flexible working. You are legally allowed to request it. Every small bit of stability helps when you are carrying a lot.

Reviewed by Dr Jackie Gray, January 2026