You can work and claim carer’s allowance or, in Scotland, carer support payment (CSP) at the same time as long as your earnings (less any allowable deductions) are no more than £196 a week. You must continue to provide care for at least 35 hours a week. Work during breaks from caring (see Chapter 8(15) ) does not affect carer’s allowance or CSP.

Carer’s allowance and CSP are not means tested. Provided your earnings do not exceed the above limit, the full amount of carer’s allowance or CSP is payable. Caring costs of up to half your net earnings can be disregarded if you pay someone other than a close relative to look after the disabled person you care for or a child aged under 16. See Chapter 8(12) for details.