Universal Credit – carer element

What is Universal Credit?

Universal Credit is a single payment that combines six existing benefits if you’re out of work or on a low income.

If you’re already receiving Universal Credit, you may be able to get an extra amount because of your caring role. This is known as the ‘carer element’.

How much is the carer element?

It’s worth £156.45 a month (about £36 a week) for the 2018–19 financial year.

How do I claim Universal Credit?

Visit gov.uk or call the Universal Credit helpline on 0845 600 0723.

What do I need to know about Universal Credit?

Universal Credit is a means-tested benefit, so if you’re in receipt of Carer’s Allowance, it will count as income when your means-tests benefits are calculated.

Other such benefits are the carer addition paid with Pension Credit and carer premium, which is a part of Income Support and other allowances, such as Housing Benefit.

As a result, your means-tested benefit will decrease if you are being paid Carer’s Allowance, although you’ll probably be better off in total. Read more in ‘What effect would claiming have on other benefits I receive?’ in Carer’s Allowance.