The Carer Premium

The Carer Premium is not a benefit but an extra amount of money included in the calculation of Income Support, income-based Job seekers' Allowance, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit (called Rent Rebate in Northern Ireland). An equivalent amount is used in the calculation of Pension Credit.

You will need to apply for the Carer's Allowance to receive the Carer Premium. You must satisfy all of the rules except the rule concerning receiving specified benefits You can check whether you are eligible for Carer's Allowance here.

If you apply successfully for Carer's Allowance, and you are on Income Support or income-based Job Seekers' Allowance, you should receive the Carer Premium automatically. If the Carer Premium is not added to your benefit within a couple of weeks of receiving the decision about Carer's Allowance, take the letter awarding benefit application to your local Social Security office and ask for Carer Premium to be paid.

If you get the Carer Premium and already receive Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Benefit (Rate Rebate in Northern Ireland), tell the office dealing with your benefit(s) that you have been awarded Carer's Allowance or have an underlying entitlement to it. They will recalculate the benefit to take this into account.

If you are awarded Carer's Allowance, or an underlying entitlement to it, you may become entitled to one of the above benefits. Contact CarersLine or a local advice agency for a benefit check.