Carer’s Allowance Update 2024 – What Changes Can You Expect Next Year?

The Carers Allowance is a vital source of financial support for individuals who dedicate their time to caring for someone in need, such as seniors or disabled persons. This allowance is designed to ease the financial burden on carers who provide essential care for more than 35 hours a week. As we approach 2024, significant changes to the Carers Allowance are expected, including an increase in the weekly payment amount. Here’s what you need to know about these changes, how to claim the allowance, and who qualifies for it.

Changes

The UK Government has recognized the crucial role of carers by providing financial assistance to those who look after seniors or disabled individuals. Starting in April 2024, the Carers Allowance is expected to increase by £5.75 per week, bringing the total weekly payment to £81.90. This increase reflects a 6.5% adjustment, aligning with the broader efforts to support carers amidst ongoing economic challenges.

The allowance is a taxable benefit, and it is not means-tested, meaning that the carer’s income and savings are not considered when determining eligibility. However, carers must meet certain criteria, including the number of hours spent providing care and the financial situation of the person they are caring for.

Carers Allowance

Carers Allowance is financial support provided to informal or unofficial carers who help individuals with daily living activities due to old age, disability, or health issues. This allowance is crucial for those who spend significant time each week caring for someone else, as it helps alleviate the financial strain that can come with such responsibilities.

While the allowance is taxable, it is only provided if the carer is assisting someone who receives a qualifying benefit, such as a disability benefit or a state pension. To be eligible, carers must also meet a minimum income threshold of £139 per week after tax deductions or be a student dedicating around 21 hours per week to their studies.

Expected Changes

According to the 2023 Budget, changes to the Carers Allowance were initially scheduled to begin in January 2024. However, due to economic pressures such as inflation and recession, these changes were delayed. The allowance is now expected to increase in April 2024, with current recipients seeing a rise in their weekly payments.

The increase will amount to £4258.90 annually, providing much-needed financial relief to carers across the UK. This increment reflects the government’s acknowledgment of the vital role carers play and the need to support them adequately.

How to Claim

Claiming the Carers Allowance is a straightforward process, but it does take some time to process. Typically, it takes about 13 to 15 days after a successful application for the allowance to be paid.

Steps to Claim:

1. Apply Online or by Post:
   • Online: The fastest way to apply is through the gov.uk website, where you can fill out the application form and upload the required documents.
   • By Post: If you prefer to apply by post, you must fill out the application form, get it signed by the relevant authorities, and send it along with scanned copies of all required documents to the Universal Credit office.
2. Required Documents:
   • National Insurance Number
   • Employment Details
   • Bank Details
   • Payslip (if employed)
   • Course and Expenses Details (if studying)

Once the application is submitted and approved, the payments will be directly deposited into the carer’s bank account.

Who Can Claim

To qualify for the Carers Allowance, candidates must meet specific criteria:

• Care for Someone on Disability or State Pension: The person you care for must be receiving a disability benefit or state pension.
• Minimum 35 Hours of Care Per Week: You must provide at least 35 hours of care per week. This care can include physical assistance, supervision (especially if the person is prone to self-harm or has psychiatric conditions), and help with daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, and bathing.
• Age and Education: You must be at least 16 years old and not enrolled in full-time education.
• Income Threshold: Your income after tax deductions must be below £139 per week.

It’s important to note that individuals who are employed by a medical institution or are sent by such institutions to provide care do not qualify for the Carers Allowance. However, if you are already receiving the allowance, you do not need to reapply for it; the increased amount will be automatically deposited into your account starting from April 2024.

The changes in the Carers Allowance for 2024 reflect the government’s continued efforts to support those who provide essential care for others. By knowing the updated eligibility criteria, how to apply, and what to expect in terms of payments, carers can ensure they receive the financial support they are entitled to, helping them continue their invaluable work.

FAQs