Many people across the UK might be missing out on a helpful payment of up to £1,100 from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). If you or someone in your family is on certain benefits, this money could be yours. But the catch is – you have to know about it and apply. Here’s everything you need to know in simple terms.
What Is This £1,100 DWP Payment?
The DWP is offering a Backdated Carer’s Allowance Premium which can be worth up to £1,100. This is not a new benefit, but many people don’t know they qualify for it. So, if you care for someone and are already on income-related benefits, this payment could be yours.
This money is usually added to other payments, such as:
- Universal Credit
- Income Support
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Pension Credit
Who Can Get This Payment?
You may be able to claim the DWP’s £1,100 support if:
- You are caring for someone for at least 35 hours a week
- The person you care for is receiving a qualifying disability benefit like Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), or Attendance Allowance
- You are getting income-based benefits like the ones listed above
- You qualify for Carer’s Allowance, even if you’re not getting paid it yet
What Is Carer’s Allowance Premium?
This is an extra amount of money added to your benefits because you are a carer. It’s £42.75 per week (2024–25 rate) and is usually added to your means-tested benefits. Over a year, this could add up to £1,111.50 – and that’s why people are being told to check if they’ve missed it in the past.
Even if you’re not receiving the Carer’s Allowance because of other benefits overlapping, you may still be able to get the premium added.
How Do I Claim This?
There is no separate form to claim the Carer’s Premium. But here’s what you need to do:
- Apply for Carer’s Allowance – even if you think it might clash with other benefits
- If approved, the DWP will automatically add the Carer’s Premium to your existing income-related benefits
- If you were eligible in the past but didn’t get it, you can request the payment to be backdated – possibly up to 3 months or more
What If I Didn’t Know Before?
That’s the main reason many people are missing out. This premium isn’t always well-publicised, and if you didn’t know to apply, you might have lost out on hundreds of pounds.
If you think you were eligible in the past but didn’t receive the Carer’s Premium, you can still:
- Contact DWP and request a review
- Ask for backdated payments
- Use support services like Citizens Advice for help
Why This Matters Right Now
With rising living costs, even a small increase in income can help families deal with grocery bills, utility costs, and medical expenses. If you’re already supporting someone, it’s only fair you get the help you’re entitled to.
Thousands of carers don’t realise they’re eligible for this money. So, this is a great time to check and make sure you’re not missing out.
Where Can I Get Help?
If you’re unsure how to begin or feel confused about your eligibility, here’s where you can go:
- Citizens Advice (Online or Local Office)
- DWP Carer’s Allowance Unit
- GOV.UK official website for Carer’s Allowance
- Local Welfare Rights Services
Final Word
The DWP’s Carer’s Allowance Premium is a lifeline for unpaid carers across the UK. If you’ve been supporting someone you love, this extra financial help can make a real difference.
Check your eligibility today – it only takes a few minutes to apply, and it could get you up to £1,100 or more, especially if you’ve missed out in the past.
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