My child has a vision impairment can I claim carers allowance?
If the DWP awards your child the DLA care component at the middle or highest rate, you or your partner may be able to claim Carer's Allowance. It is worth £76.75 per week. Carer's Allowance is not means-tested and does not depend on your National Insurance contributions. It is taxable.
To claim Carer's Allowance you must satisfy the following conditions:
- you must be 16 or over
- you must spend at least 35 hours a week looking after a child who receives the middle or highest rate DLA care component, or PIP daily living component if they are 16 or over
- if you do any paid work, you must not earn more than £139 a week after deductions for tax, national insurance and certain expenses such as contributions to a pension or care costs
- you must not be in full time education. However, the meaning of "full time" is complicated and may depend on a number of factors including the type of course you are doing. If you are studying or thinking about studying then call our Helpline for advice.
Please note that if you already get Carer's Allowance for looking after an adult or another child, you cannot get it for looking after another person.
How to claim Carer's Allowance
If you live in England, Wales or Scotland, call the Carer's Allowance Unit on 0800 731 0297 to request a claim form. You can also download or complete forms online on the GOV.uk website.
If you live in Northern Ireland, you can call the Disability and Carer’s Service on 0800 587 0912 or on textphone on 0800 012 1574 or visit the nidirect.gov.uk website.
To find out more about Scottish Carer Support Payment (CSP) please see What is the Carer Support Payment (CSP) in Scotland?
