You may be entitled to carer’s allowance or carer support payment (CSP) if you spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone who gets a qualifying disability benefit (see Chapter 8(2) ). You are eligible for carer’s allowance or CSP even if you have a partner who is working.

If you have a limited capability for work, you may be able to claim employment and support allowance (see 4 below ).

If your income and savings are low and you (or your partner, if you have one) are under pension age, you may be able to claim universal credit (see below ). If you (and your partner) have reached pension age, you may be able to claim pension credit (see Chapter 41 ).

Universal credit is a means-tested benefit paid to people of working age who are on a low income. It can be paid on its own if you (and your partner, if you have one) have no other income, or it can top up your carer’s allowance, carer support payment (CSP) or other income. You cannot get univers