Government call for people to share their views on Carer’s Allowance

The Government is calling for unpaid carers and organisations to share their views on how Carer’s Allowance could be improved.

Carer’s Allowance is a benefit for people in England and Wales who:
• Are aged 16 or over, are not receiving a State Pension, and provide at least 35 hours of unpaid care each week for someone who receives a qualifying disability benefit, such as Attendance Allowance.
• Earn £204 a week or less after tax, National Insurance and allowable expenses.
• Are not in full-time education or studying for 21 hours or more a week.

Other eligibility rules also apply. You can find out more at www.gov.uk/carers-allowance 

The call for evidence is being led by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) following a review of Carer’s Allowance overpayments.

Around 200,000 people were affected by overpayment issues between April 2015 and September 2025. Many cases were linked to unclear guidance or how fluctuating earnings were handled. As a result, some carers did not realise they had exceeded the earnings limit and have faced demands to repay money. The total debt is estimated at around £250 million.

The call for evidence gives people with experience of Carer’s Allowance the opportunity to share their views on any issues they have faced and on:
• Changes to the earnings limit, including introducing a taper. This would gradually reduce Carer’s Allowance as earnings rise above the limit, rather than carers losing their entire payment if they earn more than £204 a week.
• How Carer’s Allowance and Universal Credit work together for people who receive both benefits.
• The 21-hour study rule, which prevents some carers in education from claiming Carer’s Allowance.

The call for evidence closes at 11.59pm on Tuesday 18 August 2026. To find out more and take part, visit www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/carers-allowance-call-for-evidence

If you would like information and to respond in an accessible format, such as Easy Read or large print, or if your submission is too long for the online form or includes attachments, please email carer.callforevidence@dwp.gov.uk