Carer’s Allowance: Half a million missing out – who is eligible and how can you apply | Personal Finance | Finance

Some half a million Britons are estimated to be caring for someone but not claiming Carer’s Allowance from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Applying for this state benefit could see them thousands of pounds a year better off, but who is eligible and how do they apply?

To qualify, carers must not earn more than £132 a week.

However, expenses can be taken into account, so if someone earns more but spends on another carer while they are at work, this can be deducted.

For example, someone might earn £182 a week but have to spend £50 on a carer from their wages.

In these circumstances they would still qualify for Carer’s Allowance.

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Unfortunately, carers won’t automatically qualify for the additional £650 Cost of Living payment.

However, they will receive it if they get: Universal Credit, Income-based Jobseekers Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and Pension Credit.

Applicants can also backdate a claim by up to three months.

Britons can apply online on the Government website or by calling 0800 731 0297.