The UK Government’s proposed welfare reforms are set to cut off 650,000 unpaid carers from Carer’s Allowance, sparking concerns that many will struggle to afford food and heating. According to Carers UK, the stricter eligibility criteria for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) will have a knock-on effect on thousands of carers who depend on financial aid.
These changes, due to take effect from November 2026, could result in 1.2 million disabled people losing access to PIP, making many unpaid carers ineligible for Carer’s Allowance.
Here’s what you need to know about Carer’s Allowance, who will be affected, and how to apply.
How PIP Changes Will Affect Carer’s Allowance
Carer’s Allowance is only available to those looking after someone who receives a qualifying disability benefit, such as PIP. Currently, more than half of Carer’s Allowance recipients rely on someone else’s PIP eligibility.
However, the stricter daily living component rules for PIP from November 2026 mean that:
- 1.2 million disabled people may lose access to PIP, according to independent think-tank Resolution Foundation.
- 650,000 unpaid carers will no longer qualify for Carer’s Allowance as a result.
- 150,000 carers who receive both Carer’s Allowance and PIP could also be affected, putting them at severe financial risk.
Helen Walker, CEO of Carers UK, warns:
“1.2 million unpaid carers in the UK are living in poverty, with 400,000 in deep poverty. Raising the qualifying threshold for support could mean even more carers will struggle to afford essentials like food and heating.”
The UK Government states that these changes aim to target support at those with the highest needs, but disability organisations argue they could push thousands of families into financial hardship.
What is Carer’s Allowance?
Carer’s Allowance is a weekly benefit of £81.90 that helps unpaid carers who spend at least 35 hours per week looking after someone with a disability.
To qualify, the person they care for must receive a qualifying disability benefit, such as:
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – Daily Living Component
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA) – Middle or Higher Rate Care Component
- Attendance Allowance
Under current rules:
- Carers must earn less than £151 per week to be eligible.
- If carers exceed the earnings limit by even a few pence, they must repay 100% of the benefit for that week.
- Some carers have unknowingly been overpaid by the DWP and are now being forced to repay up to £20,000 in debt.
How to Claim Carer’s Allowance
Online Application
- Visit the official government website at GOV.UK.
- Answer eligibility questions and fill out the application form.
Postal Application
- Download and print the Carer’s Allowance claim form (DS700 or DS700(SP) for pensioners).
- Send the completed form to Freepost DWP Carer’s Allowance Unit (no stamp required).
The upcoming changes to PIP in 2026 are not just affecting disabled individuals—they are set to remove Carer’s Allowance for 650,000 unpaid carers. With 1.2 million carers already living in poverty, these cuts could push thousands more into financial crisis.
If you depend on Carer’s Allowance, it’s essential to stay informed, review eligibility criteria, and seek professional advice on alternative support options.
FAQ’s
Who is eligible for Carer’s Allowance?
To qualify for Carer’s Allowance, you must care for someone receiving a qualifying disability benefit (such as PIP) for at least 35 hours a week and earn less than £151 per week.
How will PIP changes affect Carer’s Allowance?
From November 2026, stricter PIP eligibility rules will mean 1.2 million disabled people may lose access to PIP, affecting 650,000 unpaid carers who rely on Carer’s Allowance.
What is the weekly Carer’s Allowance payment?
Carer’s Allowance is currently £81.90 per week, with payments made every four weeks.
What happens if I earn over the Carer’s Allowance limit?
If you earn over £151 per week, even by a few pence, you must repay 100% of Carer’s Allowance for that week.
How can I apply for Carer’s Allowance?
You can apply online at GOV.UK or submit a postal application by filling out the DS700 claim form and sending it to Freepost DWP Carer’s Allowance Unit.
I get £120.00 a week and they expect me to live of that. Mps get at least £1.000 a week so wheres the justice in that. They buy toilet roll and they get the money back. Wish I could get money back on every £5 I put on my electricity meter. I put 40 to50 in every week. All false promises from the government. Another trumph a bloody idiot.
Well my partner is parlayed in a wheelchair with cancer breathing machine and stroke Hart problems stormer pubic cafiter
I have to host him in to bed
I think this government do not no what there doing to people I honestly feel out there how can there take away carers money and pip has people are poorly yes there is some takes biscuit
But there is all so people out there need it you can ask doctor and hospitals letters to support
People this is going to be needed to stop others taken money out off pip when people are so poorly. Yes has I say there is people taking biscuit has there do not what to work trying to live on benefits it’s not happening anymore there no owe there are dose jobs centers
My son in law has had to give up work because of his wife’s FND, seizures and dissociative episodes. She is currently in the mental health system to get help. She has been waiting 1 and a quarter years to be accepted in the local Psychotherapy department. She has now been accepted but has been told it will be another year before they start. His mental health is now being affected because his wife is not getting the help she needs. This governments recent decision to make it even harder to access PIP ( as if getting PIP wasn’t demeaning, shambolic and totally stressful enough already!!!!!!!) has almost left him in despair.
He dare not even tell his wife. He voted for Labour and is more shocked than I can adequately say here that these things are being implemented. Can anybody please fight on our behalf.. They went after the old. Now they are coming for the weak and sick. It is utterly reprehensible
Despicable to hit carers this way .state enforced slavery is carer allowance in any case.
Does this apply to Attendance Allowance as well as PIP? My husband is retired, with Alzheimer’s and I am under State Pension age, in my 60’s, claiming Carers Allowance. I cannot work due to my husband’s problems. It is unclear as to if people claiming Attendance Allowance will have the same problem as people claiming PIP will with Carers allowance being paid to their Carer. What a mess this Labour government are making of the UK! Just think: we have over 4 years left for them to do even more damage……………………..
Yet they have £25 Billion to give to isr4el every year!