Fresh calls are growing for pensioners who provide unpaid care to be allowed to receive the full Carer’s Allowance, reigniting debate about fairness in the UK benefits system. Campaigners, charities and some MPs argue that current rules leave many older carers financially disadvantaged despite providing the same level of care as younger claimants.
Under existing regulations, pensioners who receive the State Pension are often prevented from being paid Carer’s Allowance in full due to overlapping benefit rules. As the population ages and more pensioners take on caring roles for partners, relatives or disabled family members, pressure is mounting for reform.
This article explains what the new calls are about, why pensioners currently miss out on full Carer’s Allowance payments, who is affected, and what any potential changes could mean in practice.
Why the issue of pensioner carers is gaining attention
Caring responsibilities do not stop at retirement age. Many pensioners provide substantial care for spouses with long‑term illnesses, adult children with disabilities, or elderly relatives who need daily support. In many cases, this care replaces formal services and saves the state significant amounts of money.
Despite this, pensioners often receive less financial recognition for their caring role than younger carers.
What Carer’s Allowance is designed to do
Carer’s Allowance is a benefit paid to people who spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone with a qualifying disability benefit. It is intended to recognise the impact caring has on the ability to work and earn an income.
The allowance is paid at a flat weekly rate and is not means‑tested, although earnings limits apply.
Why pensioners do not receive full payments
The main issue is the overlapping benefits rule. If someone receives another benefit that is higher than Carer’s Allowance, such as the State Pension, they cannot be paid both in full.
Because the State Pension is higher than Carer’s Allowance, pensioners usually receive the pension instead, leaving Carer’s Allowance unpaid.
What pensioners currently receive instead
Although pensioners do not usually receive Carer’s Allowance payments, they may be awarded an “underlying entitlement.” This can increase entitlement to other benefits such as Pension Credit or Housing Benefit.
However, this does not result in a direct weekly payment for many carers.
Why campaigners say the system is unfair
Campaigners argue that pensioners provide the same level of care as younger carers but receive less financial support. The care requirement is identical, yet the outcome is different purely because of age and pension entitlement.
They say this creates a two‑tier system that undervalues older carers.
How many pensioners are affected
Hundreds of thousands of pensioners are believed to have underlying entitlement to Carer’s Allowance without receiving the payment itself. Many are unaware that they are recognised as carers at all under the system.
As caring roles among older people increase, this number is expected to rise.
What the new calls are asking for
Campaigners are calling for pensioners to be allowed to receive Carer’s Allowance on top of the State Pension, or for a new equivalent payment to be introduced specifically for older carers.
The aim is to recognise caring responsibilities without penalising people for reaching State Pension age.
Why the issue matters now
Rising living costs, increased energy bills and pressure on household budgets have made financial support more important than ever. For pensioners providing care, additional costs such as heating, transport and medical supplies are common.
Without direct support, many carers struggle financially.
The gender impact of the rules
Women are disproportionately affected, as they are more likely to be both carers and pensioners living on lower incomes. Many older women provide care after a lifetime of unpaid or low‑paid work.
Campaigners argue reform would help reduce gender inequality in later life.
What the government’s current position is
The government has historically defended the overlapping benefits rule, stating that it prevents duplication of income replacement benefits. The position is that the State Pension already provides income support.
However, critics argue that caring is not simply about income replacement.
How Carer’s Allowance compares to the State Pension
Carer’s Allowance is paid at a lower weekly rate than the full State Pension. This is one reason pensioners cannot receive it on top, under current rules.
Campaigners argue that this comparison misses the point, as the payment is meant to recognise care rather than replace earnings.
Why “underlying entitlement” is not enough
Underlying entitlement can help unlock Pension Credit or other support, but many pensioners do not qualify for those benefits due to savings or income thresholds.
As a result, they receive no extra financial help despite qualifying as carers.
The impact on Pension Credit take‑up
Some pensioners benefit indirectly if underlying entitlement increases Pension Credit awards. However, many eligible carers do not claim Pension Credit at all, meaning they miss out entirely.
Low take‑up continues to be a major issue.
What carers say about their experience
Older carers often report feeling invisible within the system. Many only discover they have underlying entitlement after years of caring, and some never find out at all.
This lack of recognition adds to feelings of isolation and financial stress.
How the issue fits into wider social care pressures
Unpaid carers form a vital part of the UK’s social care system. Without them, demand on health and care services would rise sharply.
Supporting carers financially is seen by many as an investment rather than a cost.
Could full payments be introduced
Any change would require legislative reform and additional funding. Options include allowing dual payments, introducing a separate carers supplement for pensioners, or redesigning Carer’s Allowance entirely.
So far, no confirmed policy change has been announced.
What has not been confirmed
There has been no official confirmation that pensioners will begin receiving full Carer’s Allowance payments. The current discussion reflects calls and proposals rather than agreed reform.
Claims suggesting automatic new payments are premature.
Why expectations need to be realistic
While momentum is building, changes to benefits policy typically take time. Reviews, consultations and budget considerations all play a role.
Pensioners should not expect immediate changes without formal announcements.
What pensioner carers should do now
Pensioners providing care should check whether they have underlying entitlement to Carer’s Allowance, as this can affect eligibility for other benefits.
Ensuring benefit records are accurate can make a meaningful difference.
Why awareness is crucial
Many pensioner carers are unaware they are recognised within the benefits system at all. Raising awareness helps ensure carers access all available support.
Advice services play a key role here.
The role of charities and campaign groups
Charities supporting carers and older people continue to lobby for reform, gather evidence and highlight personal stories. Their work has been instrumental in bringing the issue back into public debate.
Sustained pressure often precedes policy change.
How this debate reflects wider ageing issues
The issue highlights broader questions about how society supports people in later life. As more people live longer and care for loved ones, policy frameworks designed decades ago are under strain.
Modernisation is increasingly seen as necessary.
Key points to remember
Pensioners who provide care usually cannot receive full Carer’s Allowance due to overlapping benefit rules. New calls are urging reform so older carers receive fairer recognition and financial support.
No change has yet been confirmed.
Final thoughts
The growing calls for pensioners to receive full Carer’s Allowance payments reflect a wider recognition of the vital role older carers play in society. While the current system offers limited indirect support, many feel it falls short of acknowledging the real cost of caring in later life.
Whether reform comes through full dual payments or a new support mechanism, the debate is unlikely to disappear. As the number of pensioner carers continues to rise, pressure on policymakers to address this gap in the system is only set to increase.