The UK Government has officially launched a new financial benefit known as the Carer Support Payment. This payment, worth £327 every four weeks, is designed to help people who spend a significant amount of time looking after someone with a disability, long-term illness, or special care needs.
The goal is to provide carers with better recognition and financial stability, especially as the cost of living continues to rise. For many unpaid carers, this support could make a real difference to everyday life.
Why Was Carer Support Payment Introduced?
For years, campaigners have argued that unpaid carers are undervalued and under-supported. Many of them give up full-time work or reduce their working hours to care for loved ones. The introduction of the £327 every four weeks payment is meant to:
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Ease financial pressure on unpaid carers
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Offer recognition for the work carers do
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Ensure more people can afford to continue caring at home
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Simplify the support system for claimants
Who Can Apply for the £327 Carer Support Payment?
Eligibility is one of the most important things to understand. To qualify for the Carer Support Payment, you generally need to meet the following conditions:
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Be 16 or older
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Spend at least 35 hours per week caring for someone with a qualifying disability benefit
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The person you care for must receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), or Attendance Allowance
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You must not earn more than a set income threshold from work (after tax and expenses)
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You cannot be in full-time education of more than 21 hours a week
How Much Will You Get?
The standard rate of the Carer Support Payment is £327.60 every four weeks. Payments are made directly into your bank account.
This works out to around £81.90 per week, which, while not a huge amount, can help cover living expenses, bills, or travel costs related to care.
How and When Are Payments Made?
Payments are made every four weeks, usually on the same day, once your claim has been approved. The money will be paid directly into your chosen bank or building society account.
Carers who are already receiving Carer’s Allowance may be automatically moved onto this new system in the future, depending on where they live in the UK.
Can You Work While Claiming?
Yes, you can still work, but there are strict rules about how much you can earn. Currently, carers can earn up to a certain weekly limit after deductions such as tax, National Insurance, and expenses. If your income goes above the threshold, you may lose entitlement for that period.
Impact on Other Benefits
Claiming Carer Support Payment may affect other benefits. For example:
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It can increase entitlement to means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, and Housing Benefit
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It may reduce the amount the person you care for receives from other benefits, such as severe disability premium
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In most cases, it cannot be claimed alongside certain other carers’ benefits
It’s important to seek advice from Citizens Advice or a welfare rights organisation to check how it affects your situation.
How to Apply for Carer Support Payment
You can apply online through the official UK Government or devolved government portals, depending on whether you live in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland. Paper applications are also available for those who prefer not to apply online.
The process involves:
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Filling out a form with your personal details and care responsibilities
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Providing evidence of the disability benefit received by the person you care for
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Submitting bank details for payments
Why Four-Weekly Payments?
Unlike weekly or monthly payments, the government has chosen a four-week cycle to match existing benefits such as Carer’s Allowance. This structure ensures consistency for people moving from the old system.
Differences Between Carer’s Allowance and Carer Support Payment
Carer Support Payment is essentially the modernised replacement for Carer’s Allowance, starting first in Scotland and expected to extend across the UK. The main differences are:
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Easier application process
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Stronger links with other support systems
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Designed to be more flexible and inclusive
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Same payment amount as Carer’s Allowance but with updated administration
Common Questions About Carer Support Payment
Can two people claim for caring for the same person?
No, only one carer can receive Carer Support Payment for looking after the same individual.
Can you claim if you are retired?
Yes, but if you already receive State Pension, it may affect how much you get. In many cases, you cannot receive full amounts of both.
What if your caring hours change?
If your caring role drops below 35 hours a week, you must notify the authorities, as your eligibility could be affected.
Is this payment taxable?
Yes, Carer Support Payment counts as taxable income, although many carers earn below the tax threshold.
How Carer Support Payment Supports Families
For families who rely on unpaid carers, this benefit is more than just money. It acknowledges the sacrifices carers make. Whether it’s giving up a career, managing health conditions, or balancing family life, unpaid carers keep the system running.
By providing a regular four-weekly payment, the government is sending a clear message: unpaid carers deserve recognition and support.
The Bigger Picture – Carers in the UK
There are over 6.5 million unpaid carers in the UK, and the number is growing as the population ages. Without them, the NHS and social care system would struggle even more.
Introducing Carer Support Payment is one step towards addressing this challenge, but many campaigners say more needs to be done, including:
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Increasing the payment amount
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Offering carers more respite breaks
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Improving access to mental health support
Final Thoughts
The £327 Carer Support Payment is a vital lifeline for thousands of unpaid carers across the UK. It won’t solve every financial struggle, but it provides recognition and a measure of financial security.
If you care for someone for at least 35 hours a week, it’s important to check your eligibility and apply as soon as possible. With applications open and payments rolling out every four weeks, this is support you should not miss.