Share your views on improving Carer’s Allowance

1 min read

Tuesday 28 July 2026

The government is consulting on proposals to improve Carer’s Allowance, the main benefit for carers.

The Carer’s Allowance call for evidence is particularly looking at whether to introduce an earnings taper, alongside changes to rules that cap how many hours a claimant can work.

The government says that Carer’s Allowance has become outdated and does not reflect modern work and care patterns. It was first introduced half a century ago.

We have long called for the government to review the Carer’s Allowance earnings cliff-edge. Carer’s Allowance rules mean carers lose the entirety of their financial support if they earn even one penny too much.

You can respond to the call for evidence online by 11.59pm, 18 August 2016. The consultation is open to views from across the UK, though in Scotland Carer Support Payment has replaced Carer’s Allowance.

Unpaid carers action plan in England

The government has also launched a new unpaid carers action plan: recognise, refer, reach.

The action plan aims to improve the lives of unpaid carers. The plan concentrates on three themes: recognising the role unpaid carers play; ensuring they can access the support they need; and helping them to reach their full potential.

Related information

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Carer’s assessments: your needs as a carer

Advice on asking for a carer's assessment, what the assessment looks like and what happens after the assessment.

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Benefits

You may be entitled to certain benefits that may help with the extra costs you face.

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Flexible working and time off

As a working parent, you may have a legal right to take time off or request a change in your working pattern.

How can we help?