Carer's Allowance Calculator UK 2025/26 — Eligibility & Earnings Threshold
Carer's Allowance is a benefit for people who provide at least 35 hours of unpaid care per week to someone receiving a qualifying disability benefit. The 2025/26 rate is £81.90 per week. Use this checker to see if you qualify and how work affects your entitlement.
2025/26 rate: £81.90/week (£4,258.80/year). Net earnings must not exceed £151/week. Carer's Allowance cannot be paid on top of State Pension if State Pension is higher — but an underlying entitlement still triggers the Carer Premium in other means-tested benefits.
Carer's Allowance 2025/26 — Key Facts
| Detail | 2025/26 figure |
|---|---|
| Weekly rate | £81.90 |
| Annual value | £4,258.80 |
| Earnings threshold (net, per week) | £151 |
| Minimum hours of care required | 35 hours/week |
| Minimum age | 16 |
Qualifying Disability Benefits
The person you care for must receive one of: PIP (daily living component, either rate), DLA (middle or highest rate care component), Attendance Allowance (either rate), Constant Attendance Allowance at or above the normal maximum rate, Armed Forces Independence Payment, or certain Scottish Disability Benefits equivalents.
The Earnings Threshold
You can work and still receive Carer's Allowance, but your net earnings must not exceed £151 per week (2025/26). Net earnings means gross pay minus: income tax, National Insurance contributions, and 50% of any pension contributions. Certain work-related expenses such as childcare costs and equipment may also be deducted.
Overlap with State Pension
Carer's Allowance cannot be paid on top of State Pension where the State Pension is equal to or higher than Carer's Allowance — this is the "overlapping benefits" rule. However, you can still have an underlying entitlement to Carer's Allowance, which qualifies you for the Carer Premium or Carer Addition within means-tested benefits such as Pension Credit, Universal Credit, and Housing Benefit — often worth more than Carer's Allowance itself.