Family Care Payments: How to Get Paid for Caring for a Loved One in the UK

When you care for a family member—whether it’s an aging parent, a partner with a disability, or a child with special needs—you’re doing vital work. But too many people assume this care has to be unpaid. It doesn’t. Family care payments, financial support from the government or local authorities for those providing regular care to a loved one. Also known as paid caregiving, it’s not a charity—it’s a right. In the UK, there are clear pathways to get paid for this work, but the system is confusing. You don’t need a degree in social policy to claim what’s yours. You just need to know where to look.

The most common route is Carer’s Allowance, a weekly benefit for people who spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone who receives certain disability benefits. It’s not means-tested, but it can affect other benefits, so it’s smart to check how it fits with your situation. Then there’s Direct Payments, money given directly to you by your local council to pay for care services, including paying yourself as a family carer. This isn’t a handout—it’s a legal option under the Care Act. Some people think you can’t pay yourself, but you absolutely can. And in Scotland, there’s an extra top-up called the Carer’s Allowance Supplement that boosts your income twice a year.

What stops most people? Misinformation. They think they need to be a professional carer. They think they have to quit their job. They think their relative has to be in a care home. None of that’s true. You can still work part-time, live with the person you care for, and claim. You don’t need to prove you’re "good enough"—you just need to meet the hours and benefit criteria. The real hurdle? Not knowing these options exist. That’s why so many carers struggle financially while doing essential work.

Below, you’ll find clear, practical guides that walk you through exactly how to apply, what paperwork to expect, and how to avoid the common mistakes that delay or block payments. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been caring for years and haven’t claimed a penny, these posts give you the tools to get it right. No jargon. No fluff. Just what you need to know to get paid for the care you’re already giving.