How to Claim Carer's Allowance From Abroad
Carer's Allowance is worth over £4,495 per year and is one of the most overlooked benefits among British expats. If you care for someone who receives a qualifying benefit, you may be entitled to this money right now — even living in Spain or France.
What is Carer's Allowance?
Carer's Allowance is a UK benefit paid to people who provide substantial care to a disabled person. Unlike many benefits, it is not means-tested against your savings or property. It is based entirely on the care you provide and whether the person you care for receives a qualifying benefit.
Current rate: £86.45 per week = over £4,495 per year
Can I claim it from abroad?
Yes — if you live in the EU or EEA and established your residency before 31 December 2020, you may be able to claim Carer's Allowance under the Withdrawal Agreement. The person you care for can be in Spain, another EU country, or in the UK.
The qualifying conditions
- You spend at least 35 hours per week caring for a disabled person
- The person you care for receives Attendance Allowance, the daily living component of PIP, or Disability Living Allowance at the middle or highest care rate
- You earn less than £204 per week after allowable deductions
- You are not in full-time education (21+ hours per week)
- You established EU residency before 31 December 2020
What counts as caring?
Caring includes helping with personal care, mobility, medical appointments, preparing meals, managing medication, providing emotional support and supervision for safety. You don't need to be a professional carer — being a spouse, partner, adult child or friend who provides this support all qualifies.
How to apply
The application is made using form DS700 submitted to the Carer's Allowance Unit. You will need to provide details about the care you provide, the person you care for, and their qualifying benefit. The process takes several weeks and requires supporting documentation.
Reginald Barry Benefits Support handles the entire process on your behalf — from initial eligibility check through to submission and follow-up — on a No Win, No Fee basis, payable only on success.
Important: Receiving Carer's Allowance may affect other benefits — both yours and those of the person you care for. We will always advise you of any potential impact before proceeding.
Could you be entitled?
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