The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a warning to millions of carers across the UK, urging them to have their say on the future of Carer's Allowance before the deadline of Tuesday, August 18.
Deadline for carers to respond
Unpaid carers and organisations are being encouraged to share their experiences of the current system. A carer can currently earn up to £204 a week after tax, National Insurance and allowable expenses while receiving Carer's Allowance. However, the Government is reviewing whether the rules could change to address the "overpayments scandal".
Review findings and reassessment
The independent Sayce Review found that between April 2015 and September 2025, the DWP provided "unclear and flawed guidance" on how carers with fluctuating earnings should average their income. Thousands of carers accidentally ran up huge debts due to the benefit's "cliff edge" rule, which meant earning even £1 over the weekly limit resulted in losing the whole allowance.
Ministers are now exploring an earnings taper system so that earning slightly over the threshold reduces the benefit gradually, rather than cutting it off. The move aims to modernise Carer's Allowance, which has not seen a major overhaul since 1976.
Following the review, the Government has launched a reassessment of affected cases. Over 200,000 Carer's Allowance cases are being reviewed, with around 25,000 unpaid carers potentially having debts reduced, cancelled or refunded. The DWP said those who have already suffered overpayment issues do not need to contact it to trigger a reassessment.
Call for evidence
Tamara Sandoul, head of policy and public affairs at Carers UK, said: "Carers Allowance is now over 50 years old, and it was designed at a very different time." She added: "We need to make sure that it works for carers today to make sure that carers in a variety of situations are able to work, to study, and to live their daily lives being supported."
She continued: "I want to encourage as many unpaid carers to fill out the call for evidence and tell the government what they want to carry us allowance to look like going forward. Without your voice, nothing will change."
Carers can respond online to the DWP's Carer's Allowance call for evidence before the August 18 deadline. Responses can also be sent by email to carer.callforevidence@dwp.gov.uk.
