If you're a carer, you may also be entitled to Carers' Allowance. This is a benefit currently available to people who regularly spend 35 hours per week caring for a severely disabled person. You don't need to be related to, or even live with the disabled person, but they must be in receipt of Attendance Allowance (AA) or the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) Care Component at the middle or higher rate. Carers' Allowance can include an adult dependant's addition and is taxable.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) does not define what is meant by caring. However, any period during which you are present for the purpose of company and supervision, as well as actual assistance can be accepted as caring time.
You can work and earn up to £87 per week, and Carers' Allowance is paid at the rate of £48.65 per week.
For further information, please see the Community Advice Service page on financial help for carers|.