DWP Calls on Households to Verify Eligibility for £4,495 Annual Support
The Department for Work and Pensions is urging UK households to check if they could be owed up to £4,495.40 annually due to a specific '35 hour' care rule. Starting in April, eligible individuals providing substantial care support may receive this significant financial assistance directly from the government.
Understanding the 35-Hour Care Requirement
To qualify for Carer's Allowance, individuals must provide care for someone for at least 35 hours per week. The person receiving care must be claiming certain qualifying benefits, and the care provided can include various essential tasks that support daily living.
The current weekly payment stands at £83.30, but this will increase to £86.45 from April 2026. This adjustment means eligible recipients could receive approximately £4,495.50 annually once the updated rates take effect.
What Qualifies as Care Under the Scheme
The DWP recognizes a broad range of care activities that count toward the 35-hour weekly requirement. These include:
- Assisting with personal care such as washing and dressing
- Preparing meals and helping with eating
- Managing household tasks including laundry and cleaning
- Accompanying to medical appointments and handling medication
- Assisting with financial matters and bill payments
- Providing emotional support and companionship
Importantly, carers do not need to be related to or living with the person they support. The allowance is based on the care provided, not the relationship between individuals.
Eligibility Requirements and Benefit Interactions
To qualify for Carer's Allowance, claimants must meet several specific criteria:
- Be aged 16 or over
- Reside in England or Wales (different systems apply in Scotland)
- Not be in full-time education or studying for 21+ hours weekly
- Have earnings of £196 or less weekly after tax and expenses
- Provide care for at least 35 hours per week
The person receiving care must be claiming one of several qualifying benefits, including Personal Independence Payment with daily living component, Disability Living Allowance at middle or highest care rates, Attendance Allowance, or Armed Forces Independence Payment.
Financial Implications and Additional Support
Carer's Allowance may affect other benefits recipients currently receive, and the payment is taxable if total income exceeds the £12,570 Personal Allowance threshold. However, each week of allowance receipt automatically provides National Insurance credits that count toward State Pension entitlement.
Eligible individuals may also qualify for additional support including Council Tax Reduction, Universal Credit for those on low incomes, or Pension Credit. When care responsibilities are shared, only one person can claim the allowance.
Application Process and Backdating Options
Applications can be submitted through the official .Gov website, with claims potentially backdated by up to three months. The DWP distributes payments either weekly in advance or every four weeks, meaning under the new April rates, claimants could receive approximately £345.80 monthly.
For those living in Scotland, a separate system called Carer Support Payment applies, requiring application through Scottish government channels rather than the DWP.
