Thousands of UK carers are set to receive their Carer’s Allowance earlier than usual this week, as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) adjusts payment schedules around the late May Bank Holiday. On Friday, May 22, eligible recipients will see £345 deposited into their bank accounts—covering four weeks of the weekly £86.45 allowance.
Typically, Carer’s Allowance is paid on Mondays, but the upcoming holiday on May 25 has prompted the DWP to move the payment forward. Other claimants whose payment days fall outside the holiday schedule will not be affected. Around 1.4 million people across the UK rely on Carer’s Allowance, which recognises the vital role carers play in supporting people with illnesses or disabilities.
How Carer’s Allowance Works
Carer’s Allowance provides a weekly payment of £86.45 (equivalent to £345.80 monthly) to people dedicating at least 35 hours a week to caring for someone who receives a disability benefit. Recipients automatically earn National Insurance credits, helping protect their state pension entitlements.
The DWP emphasises that claimants do not have to live with, or be related to, the person they care for. Only one carer per recipient can claim the allowance, even if multiple people share care responsibilities. Payments can be made weekly in advance or every four weeks directly into a bank account.
Carers UK adds: “If you spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone with an illness or disability, you may be eligible for extra money called Carer’s Allowance. It is paid at a rate of £86.45 per week (from April 2026/27).”
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify for Carer’s Allowance if all of the following conditions are met:
- You care for someone for at least 35 hours per week.
- You earn no more than £204 per week (after deductions such as tax, National Insurance, and certain expenses, from 6 April 2026).
- The person you care for receives a qualifying disability benefit.
- You are aged 16 or older.
- You are not in full-time education.
- You meet UK residence and presence conditions, as well as relevant UK immigration rules.
For official guidance, claimants can check the UK Government Carer’s Allowance page and monitor their payment schedules through the Carer’s Allowance service.
FAQs
1. When will the next Carer’s Allowance payment be made?
Due to the late May Bank Holiday, payments normally scheduled for Monday, May 25, will be issued on Friday, May 22.
2. How much is Carer’s Allowance?
£86.45 per week, which equates to £345.80 per month.
3. Do I need to live with the person I care for?
No, claimants do not have to live with or be related to the care recipient.
4. Can multiple carers claim for the same person?
No, only one person can claim Carer’s Allowance for each individual receiving care.
5. Does Carer’s Allowance affect my pension?
Recipients automatically receive National Insurance credits, which safeguard state pension entitlement.
