The Department for Work and Pensions is facing calls to widen eligibility for Carer's Allowance, potentially extending the £86.45 weekly payment to more claimants through a new "under 35 hour" rule.
Current Rules and Petition Demands
Currently, Carer's Allowance is paid to over one million claimants who spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone. However, a petition is demanding a rule change, warning the Labour government: "The DWP states that anybody in 'full time' education, even if they only attend classes 2-3 days a week, is not eligible to receive carer's allowance."
The petition argues: "We believe this is unsustainable. Anyone attending classes for less than 35 hours a week (equivalent to a full-time job) should be eligible." It highlights that "evidence shows young adult carers are 3x more likely to be out of education, employment, and training."
Impact on Young Carers
The petition states: "Anyone making more than £204, or studying more than 21 hours per week, loses their carer's allowance, so the stats make sense. People should not have to choose between investing in their future and financial support." One petitioner noted: "If I attend uni for 21 hours a week, I'd still care for my family member for more than 35 hours a week. It punishes people who still do care work for trying to improve their lives."
Next Steps for the Petition
If the petition reaches 10,000 signatures, the government will respond. If it reaches 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in Parliament. The petition closes in October, allowing time to hit the threshold.
Under current Carer's Allowance rules, you must spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone, which includes helping with washing, cooking, taking them to doctor’s appointments, and managing household tasks like bills and shopping. You can receive £86.45 a week if you care for someone at least 35 hours a week and they receive certain benefits. You do not need to be related to or live with the person you care for, and caring for more than one person does not increase the payment.
