State pensioners may receive an additional £48.15 each week from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) through the Carer Premium. This financial top-up is designed for low-income pensioners who care for an unwell spouse or family member, providing around £2,500 extra per year.
Eligibility for Carer Premium
To qualify, you must be eligible for Pension Credit and receive Carer's Allowance. The DWP states: "You could get an extra £48.15 a week if you get Carer’s Allowance, or you get Carer Support Payment, or you’ve claimed Carer’s Allowance but are not being paid because you already get another benefit paying a higher amount."
If both you and your partner claim or receive Carer’s Allowance, each of you can get the extra amount. Additionally, you can receive extra for each child or young person you care for who lives with you: £69.98 per week per child, increasing to £81.07 for the first child born before April 6, 2017.
Duration of Payments
The extra money continues until August 31 after the child's 16th birthday, or 19th birthday if they are in education or training (e.g., GCSEs, A levels, BTECs, Scottish Highers, SVQs, or NVQs up to level 3) for more than 12 hours per week on average.
How to Claim
You may claim a Carer Premium if you receive one of the following benefits: Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Council Tax Support/Reduction, Housing Benefit, Guarantee Pension Credit, or Universal Credit. You must also be entitled to Carer’s Allowance, though you don't need to be actively receiving it—just meeting the eligibility criteria is sufficient.
