DWP PIP claimants could lose a second benefit in payment cuts
DWP PIP claimants could lose a second benefit in payment cuts
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is set to overhaul the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) benefit, which could see thousands of carers losing their entitlement to another payment
To be eligible for Carer's Allowance, carers must meet various criteria
(Image: Mark Lewis )
People across the UK could be hit even further by the proposed changes to Personal Independence Payments (PIP). Although there are no direct alterations to the Carer's Allowance, Carers UK has issued a warning that thousands could lose this benefit due to the changes scheduled for November 2026.
To be eligible for Carer's Allowance, carers must meet various criteria, such as the type of care provided and earning less than £196 per week elsewhere. However, the person they are caring for must also be claiming at least one of the qualifying benefits. Therefore, if the individual being cared for only claims PIP from the DWP and doesn't meet the new criteria next year, they may lose their disability benefit, consequently making their carer ineligible for Carer's Allowance. Carers UK estimates that around 150,000 carers could lose their Carer's Allowance by 2029/2030 due to the changes to PIP.
Qualifying benefits include:
PIP
Disability Living Allowance
Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance
Attendance Allowance
Pension Age Disability Payment
Child Disability Payment
Carer's Allowance is the main benefit for unpaid carers, providing a weekly payment of £83.80. This is among the lowest benefit of its kind according to the charity.
To qualify for the allowance, you must devote a minimum of 35 hours per week to caring for a disabled, ill, or elderly individual.
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This can involve tasks such as cooking, washing, escorting the person to medical appointments, and managing household bills, reports the Mirror.
Eligible carers are now restricted from earning more than £196 from other sources, marking an increase of £45 from the previous cap of £151.
Carers UK has highlighted the reality that many carers have neither the time nor energy to secure a significant income beyond their care duties.
The charity's findings reveal that 42% of individuals receiving Carer's Allowance are facing financial difficulties, while over 1.2 million carers in the nation are grappling with poverty.
Helen Walker, Carers UK's Chief Executive, expressed: "Unfortunately, we are looking at a game of two halves.
"Last year in the 2024 Autumn Budget we welcomed news that the limit on Carer's Allowance would rise, which is a much-needed step forward, helping carers in employment on a low income to increase their earning potential.
"But these changes now take place against the concerning backdrop of new welfare reforms announced in the 2025 Spring Statement."
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