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Macmillan and Cancerbackup merged in 2008. Together we provide free, high quality information for people affected by cancer through our publications, website and phone service. Find out more|.
Find out how we produce our information|
Carers may face financial costs when they are caring for someone with cancer, but there is help available.
If you’re caring for someone who's receiving the care component of Disability Living Allowance| at the middle or highest rate, or Attendance Allowance|, you may be eligible for Carer’s Allowance. You need to be aged 16 or over and be caring for someone for at least 35 hours a week to qualify for this benefit.You need to be aged 16 or over and be caring for someone for at least 35 hours a week to qualify for this benefit.
You don’t need to be related to or living with the person you care for. You can be working, but there's a weekly earnings limit of £100 a week (after certain deductions). You can't claim Carer’s Allowance if you're studying for 21 hours a week or more (full- or part-time). Students and carers who don’t qualify for Carer’s Allowance may be able to protect their State Pension entitlement by applying for Carer’s Credit.
Carer’s Allowance is £58.45 a week. If you’re awarded Carer’s Allowance, you may also be entitled to the carer premium. This is an extra payment that can be added to Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and Pension Credit.
Carer’s Allowance overlaps with certain benefits, including:
You can’t be paid Carer’s Allowance if you receive the same amount or more from these overlapping benefits. However, it may still be worth applying for Carer’s Allowance because any response you receive may help you claim a means-tested benefit, such as Pension Credit or Council Tax Benefit. You may also receive national insurance contribution credits.
Claiming Carer’s Allowance can affect the benefits claimed by the person you care for. It’s a good idea to speak to a welfare rights adviser who can advise you on the best course of action for you and the person you care for.
How can I claim? Call the Benefit Enquiry Line free on 0800 882 200, textphone 0800 243 355 or apply online at direct.gov.uk/doitonline|
You may be entitled to other financial help, such as Income Support|, Pension Credit|, disability benefits or help with health costs|.
Carer’s Credit is a national insurance credit for carers of working age. It helps carers build up qualifying years for the basic State Pension and additional State Pension so there are no gaps in your national insurance record if you're taking on caring responsibilities. It isn’t a cash benefit.
To qualify for Carer’s Credit, you must care for one or more disabled people for 20 hours or more a week. Each person you care for must receive one of the disability benefits listed on the next page:
If the person you’re caring for doesn’t receive a qualifying benefit, Carer’s Credit can still be awarded if you supply a Care Certificate. This will need to be signed by a health or social care professional.
You don’t need to make a separate application for Carer’s Credit if you’re already receiving benefits such as Carer’s Allowance, Income Support as a carer or Child Benefit for a child under 12. Your State Pension is already protected in these cases.
Carers who may benefit include those who:
Carers who are claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance or Employment and Support Allowance may benefit from extra national insurance contributions towards their State Pension if they apply for Carer’s Credit.
If you want to combine caring with paid work or would like help to find work when you stop being a carer, your local Jobcentre can help. Find out more at direct.gov.uk/en/caringforsomeone |
You can find more information in our section about how Macmillan helps carers|, and our section about working while caring for someone with cancer|.
Contact the Disability and Carers Service or call the Benefit Enquiry Line. You can also download a claim form at nidirect.gov.uk|.
You may be entitled to other financial help, such as Income Support, Pension Credit, disability benefits or help with health costs.
Peter, 69, has led a comfortable and active life since retiring. With his State Pension and occupational pension, he didn’t have to worry about paying the bills. He enjoyed gardening, playing golf and volunteering at the local charity shop twice a week.
Last year he was diagnosed with throat cancer. He had surgery followed by months of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
The side effects of treatment left him feeling tired and depressed, and unable to do even the most basic tasks.
His daughter, Helen, lives nearby with her husband and children. Helen, a full-time mother, visits her father after she drops the children off at school, to help him get dressed, encourage him to eat properly and help him take his medication.
At Peter’s next hospital appointment, Helen spoke to a Macmillan welfare rights adviser to find out what support was available. Helen found out they were entitled to the following benefits:
Peter was also given details of a local support group so he could meet other people affected by cancer. As Helen was entitled to Carer’s Allowance, she received national insurance credits that would count towards her State Pension and other contribution-based benefits that she may need to claim in the future.
Get information about how Macmillan can help you and advice about the things you might need to consider if you're caring for someone with cancer.
For answers, support or just a chat, call the Macmillan Support Line free (Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm)
If you have any questions about cancer, need support or just want someone to talk to, ask Macmillan.
Talk to a benefits adviser in your area, find out if you are eligible for benefits or grants or ask Macmillan about any money worries you might have.