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At a glance
- Who qualifies: You may be eligible for the Universal Credit carer’s element if you care for someone receiving certain disability benefits and provide at least 35 hours of care a week.
- How much you get: From 2026/27, you can receive an extra £209.34 per month on top of your Universal Credit standard allowance.
- Impact of Carer’s Allowance: If you receive Carer’s Allowance, your Universal Credit is reduced as it counts as income.
- How to apply: Apply through Universal Credit – either when making a new claim or by reporting a change in circumstances if you already receive it.
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 carer’s element Universal Credit in 2026?
For 2026/27 financial year, you can get an extra amount of £209.34 a month carers element of Universal Credit (up from £201.68 a month in 2025/26). This is on top of your Universal Credit Standard Allowance.
If you live with your partner and you both care for the same person, you’ll only get one extra monthly amount.
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).
Does getting Carer’s Allowance affect my Universal Credit?
Yes. If you receive Carer’s Allowance, you will get less Universal Credit because it is a means-tested benefit.
How can I apply for Universal Credit carer’s element?
If are not receiving Universal Credit:
- You can apply for Universal Credit online. You must create an account and complete your claim within 28 days of creating it. If you cannot claim online, claim by telephoning the Universal Credit helpline.
- If you live with your partner, you both must create accounts, as you cannot claim by yourself.
- If you apply for Universal Credit, your benefits might end. You can check by using a benefits calculator or contact the Citizens Advice Help to Claim service.
- To apply online you’ll need your bank, building society account details, an email address and telephone number. If you do not have these, telephone the Universal Credit helpline or visit a jobcentre. You must show your identity documents, e.g. your driving licence, passport, payslip, debit or credit card or payslip.
- To complete your claim, provide details of your earnings, e.g. payslips, your National Insurance number and other benefits you receive.
If you already receive Universal Credit:
- Log into your Universal Credit online account.
- Report a change in circumstances, indicating that you are now a carer.
- Provide the name, date of birth and National Insurance number of the person you care for.
- Give details of their qualifying disability benefits.
- Give number of hours you provide care each week.
- 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.
FAQs
How much is the Carer element of Universal Credit?
For 2025/26 financial year, you can get an extra amount of £201.68 per month on top of your Universal Credit Standard Allowance.
How can I apply for the Carer’s Element of Universal Credit?
If you already receive Universal Credit, log into your Universal Credit online account, report a change in circumstances, indicating that you are now a carer and give the name, date of birth and National Insurance number of the person you care for. Give details of their qualifying disability benefits and the number of hours you provide care each week.
Does getting Carer’s Allowance affect my Universal Credit?
Yes. If you receive Carer’s Allowance, you will get less Universal Credit because it is a means-tested benefit.
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