Carer Premium
If you help to look after someone, you might be able to get benefits to help with your finances. You may be able to get Carers Allowance and/or extra amounts that can be added to certain benefits. These are called the Carer Premium, Carer Addition and Carer Element.
If you're not sure which benefits you're entitled to, read our information on benefits for people affected by terminal illness or try our benefits calculator.
On this page:
What is the Carer Element?
The Carer Element is an extra amount only added to Universal Credit. It's different from the Carer Premium and Carer Addition. Visit our page on Universal Credit to find out more about the Carer Element.
What are the Carer Premium and Carer Addition?
The Carer Premium and Carer Addition are the same thing. The Carer Premium is an extra amount added to certain benefits if you're caring for someone. It's called the Carer Addition when it's added to Pension Credit.
You do not need to apply for the Carer Premium or Carer Addition. There are no forms to fill in. If you are eligible, it's usually applied automatically. Go to How do I get the Carer Premium? for more information.
Can I get the Carer Premium?
To get the Carer Premium or Carer Addition, you need to be claiming a certain benefit and provide a certain level of unpaid care.
Benefits
You need to be claiming at least one of these benefits:
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Housing Benefit
- Pension Credit
A Carer Premium could also be included in a claim for Council Tax reduction – contact your local council for information. Find the contact details for your local council at GOV.UK .
Caring responsibilities
To receive the Carer Premium or Carer Addition, you need to spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone who needs regular and substantial care. This usually means they would not be able to manage some everyday tasks without your help.
You might be able to receive the Carer Premium if:
you receive Carer's Allowance
- you're eligible for Carer's Allowance but do not receive it, for example because you also have a claim for New-Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). This is sometimes called an underlying entitlement.
If you're not sure whether you're eligible, contact the department for the benefit you're already claiming, to tell them that you're a carer. Find out how to do this below.
It's important to get advice first as the Carer Premium and Carer Addition could affect other benefits you may receive.
How much is the Carer Premium?
The Carer Premium and Carer Addition are both £45.60 a week.
How do I get the Carer Premium?
You do not need to apply for the Carer Premium or Carer Addition. If you are eligible, the Carer Premium or Carer Addition will usually be added to your benefit automatically. If this has not happened, you can contact the department for the benefit you're already claiming to tell them that you're a carer:
- If you live in England, Wales or Scotland, you can find the contact details you need at GOV.UK
- If you live in Northern Ireland, you can find the contact details you need at nidirect
How is the Carer Premium paid?
The Carer Premium and Carer Addition are paid on top of your normal benefit payment into your account.
Where can I get more help?
Here are some organisations that can provide free advice, information or support:
- Marie Curie Support Line on 0800 090 2309 – provides general information about benefits and finances.
- Citizens Advice – has advisers you can speak to and help pages on its website about how to fill in benefit claim forms.
- Turn2us – has a search function to find benefits advisers in your area, and information about benefits on its website if you're affected by terminal illness.
- Macmillan Cancer Support – has advisers you can speak to and provides benefits information for people affected by cancer.
Here at Marie Curie we cannot provide information about your specific benefit claim. For all queries about claims, you'll need to contact the relevant government department.
See our list of useful organisations for more places to go for benefits advice and information.
Useful websites
Citizens Advice – information about benefits and benefits advisers
mygov.scot - benefits information in Scotland
nidirect - benefits information in Northern Ireland
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About this information
This information is not intended to replace any advice from health or social care professionals. We suggest that you consult with a qualified professional about your individual circumstances. Read more about how our information is created and how it's used.
