UK Launches £327 Carer Support Payment – Who Qualifies and How to Apply

The UK Government has officially launched the Carer Support Payment, a new benefit worth £327 every four weeks for people who dedicate significant time to caring for someone with a disability, chronic illness, or additional care needs.

This payment is designed to ease financial pressure on unpaid carers, many of whom reduce or leave full-time work to look after loved ones. With rising costs of living, the support is a much-needed recognition of the vital role carers play in the country’s health and social care system.

Why the Carer Support Payment Was Introduced

For years, campaigners have argued that unpaid carers are undervalued. Many provide more than 35 hours of unpaid care per week, sacrificing income, career opportunities, and social life.

The Carer Support Payment aims to:

• Provide financial stability to carers.
• Recognize the vital role carers play in supporting disabled and ill individuals.
• Simplify the application and support system compared to Carer’s Allowance.
• Allow carers to remain at home rather than moving loved ones into institutional care.

Eligibility for the Carer Support Payment

To qualify for the £327.60 four-weekly payment, applicants must meet the following conditions:

• Be aged 16 or over.
• Provide at least 35 hours of care per week.
• The person receiving care must qualify for PIP (Personal Independence Payment), DLA (Disability Living Allowance), or Attendance Allowance.
• Not earn above the government’s set weekly income threshold (after tax, NI, and expenses).
• Not be in full-time education of more than 21 hours per week.

How Much Will Carers Receive?

The payment rate is £327.60 every four weeks, which equals around £81.90 per week.

While modest, the allowance can help cover daily living expenses, transport costs, and additional care-related expenses. Payments are made directly into the carer’s bank or building society account.

Payment Schedule and Application Process

Payments are made on a four-week cycle, typically on the same day each month.

• Application process: Carers can apply online via the official UK Government portals or by submitting paper applications.
• Required documents: Personal details, proof of care hours, bank details, and evidence of the care recipient’s disability benefit.
• Processing: Once approved, payments begin from the date of entitlement.

Those already receiving Carer’s Allowance may be transitioned to this new scheme depending on their location.

Can Carers Work While Claiming?

Yes, carers can work while receiving the Carer Support Payment, but there is an income cap.

• Carers must not exceed the weekly earnings threshold after deductions (tax, NI, and certain expenses).
• Exceeding the threshold may suspend eligibility for that period.

This rule ensures carers can engage in part-time work without losing their entitlement.

How Will It Affect Other Benefits?

Claiming the Carer Support Payment can impact other benefits.

• Positive impact: It may increase entitlement to means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, and Housing Benefit.
• Possible reductions: It may reduce the person cared for’s entitlement to the Severe Disability Premium.
• Overlap restrictions: It cannot be claimed alongside some other carer-specific benefits.

Experts recommend checking with Citizens Advice or a welfare rights advisor before applying.

Why Four-Weekly Payments?

The government opted for a four-week payment cycle to align with existing systems like Carer’s Allowance. This ensures consistency for those moving from the old system and helps carers manage budgets in line with other benefit cycles.

Carer Support Payment vs Carer’s Allowance

The Carer Support Payment is essentially a modernised version of Carer’s Allowance, initially piloted in Scotland and now expanding across the UK.

Key differences include:

• Easier application process.
• Stronger integration with other support schemes.
• More flexible administration.
• Same payment level (£327.60 per four weeks), but with improved structure and recognition.

The Bigger Picture – Carers in the UK

There are over 6.5 million unpaid carers in the UK, with numbers expected to rise as the population ages. Without them, the NHS and local councils would face enormous pressure.

The Carer Support Payment represents a step forward, but campaigners argue more should be done, including:

• Raising the payment rate closer to living costs.
• Expanding access to respite care.
• Offering better mental health and emotional support for carers.

FAQs About the Carer Support Payment

Q1: How much is the Carer Support Payment in 2025?
A: The payment is £327.60 every four weeks, which equals about £81.90 per week.

Q2: Who qualifies for the payment?
A: You must be aged 16+, provide at least 35 hours of care weekly, and the person you care for must be receiving PIP, DLA, or Attendance Allowance.

Q3: Can I work while claiming Carer Support Payment?
A: Yes, but your weekly earnings must remain below the set threshold after tax and expenses.

Q4: Will this affect other benefits?
A: It can boost means-tested benefits but may reduce others, such as Severe Disability Premium for the cared-for person.

Q5: How do I apply?
A: Applications can be made online through GOV.UK or with a paper form, with payments made directly into your bank account once approved.