There are over 8.5 million carers in the UK, and unpaid carers miss out on an average of £5,500 a year in income.
Unpaid carers who care for their parents, children, siblings, or friends are hit hardest financially, with many forced to stop working or reduce their hours to support loved ones.
Did you know that if you spend at least 35 hours a week providing regular care to someone and do not earn more than £204 a week ( after tax) and other reductions, you could get Carer's Allowance. Carer's Allowance in the UK is £86.45 a week.
This amounts to £345.80 a month or £4,495.40 a year. Yet more than 500,000 carers who are eligible do not claim.
In addition to topping up carers' income, this benefit also means carers can get National Insurance credits each week towards their state pension contributions if they’re under the state pension age. If you are already claiming state pension and receive more than £83.30 a week, you won’t be paid Carer's Allowance.
National Insurance credits help plug gaps in your record to ensure you don't miss out on state pension as a result of not working. You usually need at least 35 years of National Insurance credit to get the full state pension. If you provide at least 20 hours a week caring for someone who receives one of several benefits, including the Attendance Allowance and Disability Living Allowance, you may be eligible.
If you claim Universal Credit, you may be able to get an extra amount as a carer, known as the Carer's Element, worth £209.34 a month. You do not need to receive Carer's Allowance to get this, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria. To claim, contact the Universal Credit team with details of your caring role and the names and dates of birth for the person you care for and yourself. Remember to provide your National Insurance number for both of you. You can always speak to your Cares coordinator in Imago, who can help and advise you.
Before you make a claim, it's worth knowing that your claim could affect the benefits of the person you care for receives. For example, if the person you care for receives the severe disability allowance premium, this will stop once you claim the carer's element.
Visit the gov.uk website for more information on Carers Allowance and check your eligibility