Understanding the Universal Credit Carer Element
The UK's Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) designed Universal Credit (UC) to streamline and replace a number of legacy benefits. To account for different personal circumstances, the system includes various 'elements' or extra amounts that can be added to your monthly payment. The carer element is one such addition, specifically for those with significant caring responsibilities. This extra amount acknowledges the valuable and unpaid work carers perform, helping to alleviate some of the financial pressures associated with their role.
Eligibility Criteria for the Carer Element
To be eligible for the carer element, you must meet certain conditions. These conditions focus on your caring hours and the disability benefits received by the person you care for. Unlike Carer's Allowance, your earnings do not prevent you from receiving this element, though they will affect your overall Universal Credit payment.
To qualify, you must:
- Provide regular and substantial care: This means caring for at least 35 hours a week for a person who receives a qualifying disability benefit.
- The person you care for must receive one of the following benefits:
- Attendance Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance (middle or highest care rate)
- Personal Independence Payment (daily living component)
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Constant Attendance Allowance (at the full day rate)
It is important to note that you do not need to be claiming Carer's Allowance to receive the carer element. However, if you are, it is crucial to inform the DWP, as this is considered a change in your circumstances.
How to Claim the Carer Element on Universal Credit
Claiming the carer element is a process that requires you to inform the DWP of your caring responsibilities. Since the element is part of your main Universal Credit award, it is not a separate application. You must report this change in circumstances through your online journal or by calling the Universal Credit helpline.
- Gather required information: Before you begin, collect the name, date of birth, and National Insurance number of the person you care for. You will also need to know which qualifying disability benefit they receive and the rate at which they receive it.
- Access your online journal: Log in to your Universal Credit account. This is the primary way to communicate with the DWP. If you do not have online access, you can call the helpline.
- Report a change in circumstances: Navigate to the 'report a change' section. You will need to explicitly state that you have begun or now have significant caring responsibilities for a disabled person. Provide the details you gathered in the previous step.
- Confirm your caring hours: You will be asked to confirm that you provide at least 35 hours of care per week. Be prepared to explain the nature of your caring role if requested by your work coach during an interview. They need to confirm that it is unreasonable for you to seek or be available for work.
How the Carer Element Affects Your Universal Credit Award
The carer element adds a specific amount to your monthly UC award. As of the 2025/2026 financial year, this amount is £201.68 per month. This is an extra payment on top of your standard allowance. The DWP will add up all the elements you are entitled to (standard allowance, housing, child, carer, etc.) to determine your maximum Universal Credit award. Any income you or your partner have will then be deducted from this maximum amount to calculate your final payment. It is worth noting that if you or your partner are already receiving a 'Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity' (LCWRA) element, you will only receive the higher of the two payments, not both.
Carer Element vs. Carer's Allowance
It is easy to confuse the carer element with Carer's Allowance, but they are distinct forms of support. While meeting the conditions for Carer's Allowance is a pathway to receiving the carer element, they have different rules and impacts on your overall benefits.
| Feature | Carer Element | Carer's Allowance |
|---|---|---|
| Benefit Type | An extra amount included within your Universal Credit award. | A standalone, taxable benefit. |
| Earnings Limit | No earnings limit to qualify for the element itself. High earnings reduce overall UC, not entitlement to the element. | Strict earnings limit (£196 per week for 2025/26) prevents payment if exceeded. |
| How to Claim | Report a change in circumstances to the DWP via your UC journal or helpline. | Claim directly from the DWP online or via a paper form. |
| Impact on Other Benefits | Can affect the Severe Disability Premium received by the person you care for. | Can reduce or eliminate other means-tested benefits. |
| Multiple Carers | In a joint claim, two carer elements can be awarded if caring for different people. Only one per disabled person. | Only one person can receive Carer's Allowance for caring for a specific person. |
It is crucial to understand the distinction, especially as claiming Carer's Allowance can impact other benefits. You should always inform the DWP about any change in your caring situation.
The Impact on the Person You Care For
Claiming the carer element for yourself can have implications for the benefits of the person you care for. Specifically, if you begin receiving the carer element, the person you care for may lose their entitlement to the Severe Disability Premium (SDP). This is an important consideration when deciding to claim, and it's advisable to discuss this with the cared-for person and potentially seek advice from an organisation like Turn2us, as they provide free, reliable information on benefits.
Conclusion
The carer element on Universal Credit is a vital source of additional financial support for millions of unpaid carers in the UK. Understanding the eligibility criteria, the process for reporting your caring responsibilities, and how this element fits into your broader benefits picture is essential. By taking the necessary steps to inform the DWP and ensuring all conditions are met, you can secure this payment and gain recognition for your indispensable role. Always remember to seek advice from an independent body if you have complex circumstances to ensure you are making the best decision for both yourself and the person you care for.
Resources and Further Guidance
- Turn2us: Additional elements of Universal Credit (UC)
- Carers UK: Universal Credit advice
- GOV.UK: Carer's Allowance information
