Carers across the United Kingdom play a vital role in supporting family members, friends, and loved ones who cannot manage on their own due to illness, disability, or old age. Despite their tireless contributions, many carers have long argued that the financial support they receive from the government is far too low. In 2025, campaigners and charities are once again calling on the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to significantly increase Carer’s Allowance, with proposals suggesting a rise to as much as £800 per week.
This article takes a closer look at why the demand for an increase is growing louder, what such a change could mean for carers, and how it might impact government policy and public spending.
What is Carer’s Allowance?
Carer’s Allowance is the main benefit available in the UK for people who provide unpaid care to someone with substantial needs. To qualify, carers typically need to be looking after someone for at least 35 hours per week. The person being cared for must be receiving certain disability-related benefits, such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), or Attendance Allowance.
As of 2025, the standard weekly Carer’s Allowance payment is just £81.90. This amount is widely criticised as being too low, particularly considering the high level of responsibility, commitment, and hours that carers dedicate. Many carers often have to give up full-time employment or reduce working hours drastically, which places them at financial risk.
Why Campaigners Are Demanding £800 Per Week
The suggestion of increasing Carer’s Allowance to £800 per week might sound ambitious, but campaigners argue it reflects the true value of unpaid care. According to research by multiple charities, the work provided by unpaid carers saves the UK economy billions of pounds every year. If the state had to replace this care with professional services, the cost would be astronomical.
By calling for an increase to £800, campaigners are not only highlighting the inadequacy of the current allowance but also pushing the government to recognise carers as a professional-level workforce. It is seen as a symbolic figure to emphasise the scale of underpayment and neglect carers currently face.
The Reality of Carer Life in the UK
For many carers, the financial situation is extremely challenging. A large number live in poverty or close to it, despite working long, exhausting hours. The rising cost of living, particularly energy bills, food prices, and rent, has only made matters worse. Many carers rely on food banks, struggle with debt, or sacrifice their own health due to stress and lack of financial security.
There is also the issue of limited employment opportunities. Since carers are often tied to providing daily support, they cannot easily balance work with their responsibilities. The current Carer’s Allowance rules make it even harder, as carers cannot earn more than a set threshold (currently just over £150 per week) if they want to continue receiving the allowance. This limits flexibility and discourages part-time work.
Why the £800 Demand Matters Politically
The call for an increase to £800 per week is more than just a financial request—it is a political statement. Carers have long been overlooked in social policy, despite their role being absolutely essential to keeping the health and social care system afloat. Raising Carer’s Allowance would demonstrate that the government is finally listening and giving carers the recognition they deserve.
Politicians across different parties have acknowledged that more support is needed for carers, but so far, only modest increases have been made. The £800 figure may not be realistically affordable in full, but even a significant increase towards that amount could represent meaningful progress.
How Much Does Carer’s Allowance Currently Cost the UK?
Currently, over one million people in the UK receive Carer’s Allowance. At the existing rate of just over £80 per week, the annual cost to the government runs into billions of pounds. Increasing this to £800 per week would represent a dramatic rise in expenditure.
While critics argue this would be unsustainable, supporters point out that the UK economy already saves hundreds of billions annually thanks to unpaid carers. They believe the government should reinvest some of those savings back into carers themselves. The argument is that failing to support carers could lead to higher long-term costs, as more people may be forced into professional care settings or the NHS if unpaid carers cannot cope.
Potential Impact on Carers if the Increase Happens
If Carer’s Allowance were increased substantially, even if not to the full £800 per week, it could transform the lives of millions. Carers would no longer feel financially trapped or undervalued. Many could reduce the stress of constant financial struggles, pay for additional support, or simply afford a better quality of life.
Improved financial security could also have wider benefits, including better physical and mental health for carers, less reliance on debt, and a stronger ability to balance caring with part-time work or personal commitments.
Challenges of Implementing a Higher Allowance
While the idea of £800 per week is powerful, there are major challenges to making it a reality. The government would face huge budgetary pressures, and it is unlikely that such a drastic increase would happen overnight. More realistically, a gradual rise in Carer’s Allowance may be considered, alongside reforms to other support schemes.
Another challenge is fairness. If carers were to receive £800 per week, it would place them financially above many full-time workers, which could create public debate about fairness and equity. For that reason, the government might instead explore a balance, such as combining a moderate increase with other forms of support like tax breaks, respite services, or expanded health benefits for carers.
The Role of Public Support and Media Pressure
Public awareness campaigns and media coverage have played a key role in highlighting the struggles of carers. As stories of financial hardship and emotional strain reach wider audiences, pressure on the government continues to grow. Charities such as Carers UK, Age UK, and other advocacy groups have been instrumental in bringing the issue into the national spotlight.
The more public support builds, the more likely it becomes that politicians will prioritise changes to Carer’s Allowance. With an ageing population and rising care needs, the urgency of the situation is becoming impossible to ignore.
Possible Alternatives to an £800 Weekly Allowance
While campaigners are pushing for £800, there are other potential solutions that could offer meaningful support. Some suggestions include:
- Raising Carer’s Allowance to at least half of the minimum wage equivalent for 35 hours of care per week.
- Increasing the earnings threshold so carers can work more hours without losing support.
- Providing tax credits or National Insurance breaks to carers.
- Expanding access to respite care services, giving carers a break from their duties.
- Introducing regional supplements for carers in high-cost areas.
These measures could provide practical relief without the extreme cost of an £800 allowance.
What Happens Next?
The debate over Carer’s Allowance is set to intensify in the coming months. With elections on the horizon and the cost-of-living crisis continuing to dominate headlines, politicians will face mounting pressure to act. Carers and advocacy groups will likely continue pushing for bold reforms, while the government balances fiscal realities with growing demand for fairness.
Whether or not the allowance ever reaches £800 per week, one thing is clear: the status quo is unsustainable. Carers are doing professional-level work, often 24/7, for a fraction of what it is worth. A significant boost is not only justified but essential.
Final Thoughts
Carers are the backbone of the UK’s health and social care system. Without them, the NHS and local councils would struggle to cope. Yet despite their vital contributions, carers remain one of the most undervalued groups in society.
The campaign to raise Carer’s Allowance to £800 a week has sparked national debate, shining a light on the urgent need for reform. While the figure may be symbolic, it underscores the reality that carers deserve far better financial recognition. Whether through a direct increase, additional support services, or new policy innovations, the government must take bold steps to ensure carers are no longer left behind.
For millions of carers across the UK, change cannot come soon enough.