1. What is carer’s allowance
Carer’s allowance (CA) is for people who spend at least 35 hours a week looking after a disabled person (an adult or child). The disabled person must be getting attendance allowance, the middle or highest rate of disability living allowance care component, the daily living component of personal independence payment, armed forces independence payment or constant attendance allowance in certain cases. The amount of CA you get is not means tested and your student loan, grant or other income does not affect it. Part-time students can usually get CA, but full-time students are not eligible.
Note: the Scottish government pays a supplement to people living in Scotland who get CA, which increases the amount of their CA. It is paid as a lump sum every six months (£231.40 in 2021). A one-off young carer grant is available for 16–18-year-old carers who cannot get CA (see here). See for more information on these payments.