DWP £800 per week for Carer’s Allowance: Taking care of someone full-time is a big responsibility. Whether it’s a family member or someone else, full-time carers work hard every single day. But many people feel that carers are not paid enough for all the work they do. Right now, most full-time carers in the UK only get £83.30 a week if they care for someone at least 35 hours.
That’s not even close to what they really deserve. This article explains why carers should be paid more — at least £800 a week — and why it’s time the government starts valuing their efforts properly.
What Is the Current Carer’s Allowance?
At the moment, a full-time carer can get £83.30 per week from the government. But to receive this, they have to care for someone for a minimum of 35 hours each week. This means they’re earning just around £2.38 per hour — much lower than the national minimum wage. And this allowance is taxed, and can even affect other benefits they receive.
What Does Professional Care Cost?
If a family wants to hire a full-time professional carer from a private company, it can cost them thousands of pounds per week. Some charge over £1,000 or more for 24/7 care. That’s a huge amount of money. So it’s unfair that someone providing the same level of care at home — often even more personal and loving — is paid so little in comparison.
Why Full-Time Carers Deserve More
Full-time carers are not just doing a job — they are helping someone live with dignity, safety, and comfort. Many carers give up their own jobs, time, and social life to take care of loved ones. They work long hours without breaks or holidays. This work saves the government money, because if they didn’t do it, the person would need care from expensive services.
Paying carers just £83.30 per week feels like a clear sign that their work is not respected or valued. Increasing the Carer’s Allowance to at least £800 per week would show real support. It would help them live with financial dignity and reduce stress.
It’s Time to Value Carers
If society really respects care and compassion, then carers should be properly supported. Their work is emotionally and physically draining, yet they do it out of love and duty. Giving them better pay would also encourage more people to become carers, which is important as the population ages.
By increasing their weekly allowance, we also give them the message: “We see you. We respect you. And we thank you.”
Caring for someone full-time is not just a task — it’s a full-time commitment. These unsung heroes are saving the system millions, but are paid a small fraction in return. Raising their weekly allowance to £800 is not just fair — it’s the right thing to do. It’s time we stop undervaluing them and start giving them the recognition and support they truly deserve.
FAQ
Why should the Carer’s Allowance be increased to £800 per week?
Because £83.30 per week is not enough for someone working over 35 hours caring for others. An increase to £800 would reflect the value of their work and help them live with dignity.
What does a full-time carer do?
A full-time carer helps someone with daily activities like eating, bathing, dressing, and taking medicine, often for 35 hours or more per week.
How much do professional care services cost?
Professional care services can cost over £1,000 per week. This is far more than what unpaid carers receive, even though they often do similar work.
Is £83.30 per week enough for carers to live on?
No, it is not enough. Most carers struggle financially, and this low allowance does not match the cost of living or their hard work.
Would increasing the Carer’s Allowance help the country?
Yes. It would support carers who reduce the need for expensive care homes and hospital stays, saving public money in the long term.
It would be lovely for My husband who’s my full time Carer to get more a week in carers allowance but it will stop our universal credit payments which is ok as we can pay bills out his money but if I didn’t score 4 points in the new plans for pip he would lose his money unless me getting the mobility part still he would keep it I don’t think people getting pip should be one of the reasons to get carers it should just be 35hrs which he does and he has problems himself but then should he pass away before me I’d have to reapply to universal credit due to my Mental health I could face doing that
But yes carers allowance is not much and it does save the government money but I can not see them putting payments up plus it should not be taken off universal credit
I’ve the 10 year light touch award on pip And scored 4×2 just hope if plans go ahead I score the same in 7 years time
Hello Debbie,
Agree with your statement