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DWP Says Carer’s Allowance Is Under Review as Petitions Press for Wider Access

Ministers point to April 2025 increases and a higher earnings threshold tied to 16 hours at the National Living Wage.

Overview

  • The government’s position was set out in a written reply by Sir Stephen Timms to Labour MP Dan Carden, confirming that all aspects of Carer’s Allowance remain under review.
  • In April 2025 the weekly rate rose to £83.30 and the earnings limit was aligned to 16 hours at the National Living Wage (£196 per week), which ministers describe as the largest earnings-limit rise since 1976 while the ‘cliff‑edge’ rule still applies.
  • Officials say around £500 million of investment will allow over 60,000 additional people to receive Carer’s Allowance between 2025/26 and 2029/30.
  • As of August 2024, about 1.4 million people were claiming Carer’s Allowance, up 5% on the previous year.
  • Petitions are gaining signatures to let state pensioners receive full Carer’s Allowance alongside their pension and to sharply raise the weekly rate, while separate reporting highlights 144,000 carers repaying £251 million in overpayments and renewed calls for compensation.