What if I take a break from caring?

You can take a break from caring for 4 out of every 26 weeks and continue to get Carers Allowance (CA), as long as:

• You have been giving 35 hours of care a week for 22 of the past 26 weeks, and
• The person you care for continues to get the qualifying benefit (Disability Living Allowance middle or high rate care, Personal Independence Payment standard or enhanced daily living component, Attendance Allowance or Constant Attendance Allowance).

If you go into hospital, you will get CA for up to 12 weeks as long as:

• You have given 35 hours of care a week for 14 of the past 26 weeks, and
• The person you care for continues to receive a qualifying benefit.

If the person you care for goes into hospital you will still get CA as long as they get their disability benefit (this is normally 4 weeks). You will continue to get the Carers Premium for 8 weeks after your CA. Make sure you tell the Social Security Agency (SSA) if you or the person you care for has to go into hospital.

How do I apply?

You can apply for Carer's Allowance online or by completing a paper form. 

For help with filling out the form, please see our next steps section.