Carer's Allowance Calculator

Caring 35+ hours a week? Check what you can claim, how close you are to the all-or-nothing earnings cliff, and the deductions that keep you under it.

Your Carer's Allowance
£0/wk
Enter your details to check
Countable Earnings
£0
Earnings Limit
£196/wk
Headroom to the Cliff
£0
Annual Amount
£0
NI Credits
·
Underlying Entitlement
·
Enter your details to get started.
Your Earnings vs the £196 Cliff Edge

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Carer's Allowance FAQs

Who qualifies for Carer's Allowance?
You must care for someone at least 35 hours a week who receives a qualifying disability benefit (PIP daily living, Attendance Allowance, or DLA middle/higher rate care), earn no more than the weekly limit after deductions, not be in full-time education, and be 16+. The person does not need to be a relative or live with you · and only one carer can claim per cared-for person.
How does the earnings cliff edge work?
The limit is £196/week net (latest published rate · check GOV.UK). It is all or nothing: at £196 you keep the full allowance, at £196.01 you lose it entirely · and the DWP actively reclaims overpayments. Deductions that reduce countable earnings: income tax, NI, half of pension contributions, and some care costs paid so you can work. A pension contribution is often the cleanest way to duck back under.
Can I get Carer's Allowance and the State Pension?
Not both in full · they overlap. If your State Pension exceeds Carer's Allowance, CA pays nothing, but claiming still establishes an "underlying entitlement" that can add a carer addition to Pension Credit and other means-tested benefits. For many pensioner carers that paperwork is worth hundreds of pounds a year.
What is Carer's Credit?
If you care 20+ hours a week but cannot get Carer's Allowance (earnings too high, or overlapping benefits), Carer's Credit fills your National Insurance record for free, protecting your State Pension years. It costs nothing and takes one form · claim it.
Does my claim affect the person I care for?
Usually not · but one big exception: if they receive the severe disability premium or addition in their means-tested benefits, your Carer's Allowance claim can end it, potentially costing them more than you gain. Check with a benefits adviser or the Carers UK helpline before claiming.

For informational purposes only · Not benefits advice · Rates shown are the latest published (£83.30/week allowance, £196/week earnings limit · check GOV.UK) · Carer's Allowance is taxable and overlaps with the State Pension · Get advice before claiming if the cared-for person receives severe disability premiums