Carer's Allowance earnings limit

£86.45 a week if you care for 35 hours or more — but only while earnings stay at or under £204.00 a week after deductions.

2026/27 · earnings limit sketch

The payment is £86.45 a week if you care for at least 35 hours and the person you care for gets a qualifying disability benefit. Your earnings after tax, NI and allowable expenses must stay at or under £204.00 a week.

Your weekly earnings after deductionsAfter tax, National Insurance, and expenses DWP allows (such as care costs while you work).£/week

Under the earnings limit

At £150.00 a week you have about £54.00 of headroom before the £204.00 limit. If the other rules are met, the cash rate is £86.45 a week (£345.80 every four weeks, about £4,495.40 a year).

Overlapping benefits (often State Pension) can reduce the cash to nil even when you are entitled. That entitlement can still unlock a carer addition elsewhere.

Confirm on GOV.UK Carer's Allowance. Scotland has Carer Support Payment for many new claims. Not a DWP decision.

Full rules: Carer's Allowance guide. How it sits with UC: Carer's Allowance and Universal Credit.

Common questions

How much is Carer's Allowance in 2026/27?+

The weekly rate is £86.45. It is usually paid every four weeks.

What is the Carer’s Allowance earnings limit?+

You must not earn more than £204.00 a week after tax, National Insurance and allowable expenses. That figure is for 2026/27.

Should I claim if State Pension will wipe it out?+

Often yes. Being entitled but not paid can still unlock a carer addition on Pension Credit or Universal Credit. Check the knock-on effects before skipping the claim.