The carer element of Universal Credit
If you look after someone with a disability or health condition for at least 35 hours a week, you could get an extra amount in your Universal Credit called the carer element. It is worth £209.34 a month (2026/27). It is not added automatically — you have to report that you are caring.
Add it by reporting a change in your Universal Credit account, or call the helpline on 0800 328 5644 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, free).
Who qualifies
You need to care for someone for at least 35 hours a week, and the person you care for must get one of these benefits:
- Personal Independence Payment – either rate of the daily living part
- Disability Living Allowance – middle or highest care rate
- Attendance Allowance
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Constant Attendance Allowance at certain rates (with Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit or a War Disablement Pension)
- Adult Disability Payment (standard or enhanced) or Child Disability Payment (middle or highest care) in Scotland
Rules worth knowing
- Couples: if you both care for the same person, you get only one carer element.
- Health element: you cannot get the carer element as well as the extra amount for limited capability for work and work-related activity (LCWRA).
- Disabled children: the carer element is on top of any extra amount for a disabled child.
- Severe disability premium: if the person you care for gets the severe disability premium, it stops when you claim the carer element. Talk to them before you claim.
- Not automatic: starting Carer's Allowance does not add the carer element to your Universal Credit — you must tell DWP.
Carer element and Carer's Allowance
Carer's Allowance is a separate benefit of £86.45 a week for people who care at least 35 hours a week for someone on a qualifying benefit. You do not have to be related to, or live with, the person you care for to get Carer's Allowance. You may be eligible for both it and the carer element, and each week of Carer's Allowance gives you National Insurance credits. Use a benefits calculator to see how they work together for you. In Scotland, the equivalent is Carer Support Payment.
| Line | Number | Opening hours |
|---|---|---|
| Carer's Allowance Unit | 0800 731 0297 | Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm |
| Universal Credit helpline | 0800 328 5644 | Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm |
Your claimant commitment as a carer
Caring affects what you are expected to do to look for work. Tell your work coach how many hours you care and what is involved, so your claimant commitment reflects it. If your caring changes, report it.
How to add the carer element
- Sign in to your Universal Credit account.
- Report a change of circumstances: say you have started caring, who for and for how many hours.
- DWP checks that the person you care for gets a qualifying benefit.
- Once agreed, the extra amount is included in your payment.
If the person you care for is waiting for a disability benefit decision, report your caring anyway and tell DWP when the award comes through. An advance may be possible if your change means you will get more money.
Other help for carers
You may be able to get support from your local council, a Council Tax Reduction, and grants or bursaries for courses and training. See extra support and our guide to disability and Motability.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Universal Credit carer element?
£209.34 a month in 2026/27.
Is the carer element added automatically?
No. You must report that you have started caring, even if you already get Carer's Allowance.
Can I get the carer element and the LCWRA health element?
No, you cannot get both.
Can I get Carer's Allowance as well?
You may be eligible for both. Carer's Allowance is £86.45 a week; call the Carer's Allowance Unit on 0800 731 0297.
Last checked against official sources: 24 October 2026. Numbers, amounts and opening hours can change — if in doubt, check GOV.UK.