Universal Credit Carer’s element: Eligibility & how much is it in 2026?

Am I eligible for carer element of Universal Credit?

You may be eligible for an extra amount of Universal Credit known as a ‘Carer’s element’, if you care for someone who gets one of the health or disability-related benefits below.

• Adult Disability Payment.
• Armed Forces Independence Payment.
• Attendance Allowance.
• Child Disability Payment (middle or highest care award).
• Constant Attendance Allowance (full day rate, intermediate rate or exceptional rate with Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit).
• Constant Attendance Allowance (full day rate with a War Disablement Pension).
• Disability Living Allowance (middle or highest care rate). 
• Personal Independence Payment (daily living part).

To be eligible for the Universal Credit carer’s element, you must be providing care to someone for at least 35 hours a week.

How much is the Universal Credit carer’s element in 2026?

In the 2026/27 financial year, the carer’s element of Universal Credit will give you an extra £209.34 each month. This is an increase from £201.68 a month in 2025/26. You will receive this on top of your usual Universal Credit Standard Allowance.

If you and your partner live together and both care for the same person, you will only receive one extra monthly payment.

How much is Universal Credit Standard Allowance?

You can get one standard allowance for your household.

• If you’re single and aged under 25, you receive £338.58 a month.
• If you’re single and aged 25+, you receive £424.90 a month.
• If you live with your partner and you’re both aged under 25, you get £528.34 (for you both).
• If you live with your partner and either of you are aged 25+, you receive £666.97 (for you both).

Can you get Carer’s Allowance and the Universal Credit Carer’s Element? 

You can receive both Carer’s Allowance and the Universal Credit Carer’s Element. However, your Carer’s Allowance payment is treated as income and will reduce your Universal Credit payment.

In many cases, you may not be financially worse off because the Carer’s Element is added to your Universal Credit award.

How can I apply for Universal Credit carer’s element?

If you are not receiving Universal Credit:

• You can apply for Universal Credit online. You need to create an account and finish your application within 28 days. If you cannot apply online, call the Universal Credit helpline.
• If you live with your partner, both of you must make accounts because you cannot apply alone.
• If you apply for Universal Credit, your other benefits might stop. You can check this by using a benefits calculator or contact the Citizens Advice Help to Claim service.
• To apply online, you will need your bank or building society account details, an email address, and a phone number. If you do not have these, call the Universal Credit helpline or go to a jobcentre. You must show your ID documents, like your driving licence, passport, payslip, or debit or credit card.
• To finish your application, give details about your income, like payslips, your National Insurance number, and any other benefits you get.

If you already receive Universal Credit:

1. Log in to your Universal Credit online account.
2. Report a change in circumstances, indicating that you are now a carer.
3. Provide the name, date of birth and National Insurance number of the person you care for.
4. Give details of their qualifying disability benefits.
5. Give the number of hours you provide care each week.
6. Give information about any other carers involved.

To apply for Universal Credit online, visit: Universal Credit online – Universal Credit.

If you need help with your application, contact the Universal Credit helpline at 0800 328 5644.

Next steps

• Verify care hours and qualifying benefits: Make sure you provide at least 35 hours of care each week and that the person you care for receives an approved disability benefit, such as PIP, Attendance Allowance, or Disability Living Allowance.
• Assess financial impact: See how getting Carer’s Allowance along with the Universal Credit Carer’s Element will change your household income. Remember, Carer’s Allowance counts as income and will lower your Universal Credit payments.
• Submit the claim or update circumstances: If you already get Universal Credit, log in to your online account to report any changes. If you are making a new claim, fill out the online application within 28 days.