Carer's Allowance

What is Carer’s Allowance?

Carer’s Allowance (CA) is a benefit for people who are carers.

Partners, family members or friends who are caring for a brain injury survivor may not think of themselves formally as ‘carers’, considering the ‘care’ they provide to simply be part of their relationship. Regardless, provided you fulfil the eligibility criteria, you can receive CA.

To be eligible, you need to be providing care for at least 35 hours a week. ‘Care’ includes helping someone with activities of daily living such as washing and cooking, helping with tasks such as shopping, or supervising the person to stay safe.

The survivor you are caring for must already be receiving either Personal Independence Payment (daily living component), Disability Living Allowance (middle or highest care rate) or Attendance Allowance. It is important to note that if you start receiving CA, certain elements of their or your benefits may be affected, so it is worth seeking specialist advice before making an application to discuss this.

Applying for CA

You can apply for CA using an online form on the government’s website. If you are unable to use the online form, you can apply by downloading and completing the Carer’s Allowance claim form. This is also available on the government website, or you can call the Carer’s Allowance Unit if you have any difficulty with accessing it.

CA application outcomes

If you are considered to be eligible for CA, you will receive £67.60 per week (rate at the time of writing), and it is usually paid every four weeks.

If it is decided that you are not eligible for CA and you disagree with this, you can ask for a mandatory reconsideration.

For more detailed guidance and advice, see the factsheet Carer’s Allowance after brain injury (PDF).

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From local groups or branches, our Emergency Fund, Brain Injury Identity Card, helpline and much more, find out how Headway can support you after brain injury.

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