Carers First responds to proposed Carer’s Allowance reform and calls for wider support for unpaid carers
Carers First has responded to proposals to change how Carer’s Allowance interacts with earnings, while calling for sustained financial, practical and emotional support for unpaid carers.
Today the Government has announced plans to replace the earnings 'cliff edge' with a taper from 2030–31. Carers who earn 1p above the current limit will no longer lose their entire allowance under the proposed system.
However, the change is several years away, and the announcement does not resolve wider concerns about the adequacy of Carer's Allowance. We welcome this planned reform, but earlier implementation and decisive action on historic overpayments is key.
Under the current earnings rules, carers who exceed the permitted limit can lose entitlement to Carer’s Allowance. A more gradual approach could help people balance paid work and caring responsibilities, but the detail and timetable matter.
Kelly Rust, Chief Executive of Carers First, said:
“Reforming the Carer’s Allowance earnings rules is a welcome step towards a fairer system for unpaid carers who are trying to balance work and caring. We will be looking closely at the details of this and how it will be impacting carers.
“Carer’s Allowance is only one part of the picture. Unpaid carers also need practical help, opportunities to take a break, financial security and support for their own health and wellbeing. Their contribution must be recognised through meaningful action across social care and public services.”
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