Caring for someone full-time is a demanding role, both emotionally and physically. For those receiving Universal Credit, understanding whether they are required to look for work while acting as a carer can be complex.
This guide aims to clearly outline when a carer is exempt from work-related activities, what the conditions are, and how the system recognises their caregiving responsibilities.
What Is Universal Credit and How Does It Support Carers?
Universal Credit (UC) is a monthly payment that helps people with their living costs. It combines several benefits into one and is designed to support those on a low income, out of work, or unable to work.
For carers, Universal Credit offers specific support in recognition of their unpaid but essential work. One key feature is the Carer’s Element, which is an extra amount added to a claimant’s Universal Credit if they meet certain conditions.
This element acknowledges the significant time and effort carers devote to someone with a serious disability or long-term health condition.
The Carer’s Element is not paid separately like Carer’s Allowance. Instead, it forms part of the monthly Universal Credit payment. Claimants who receive Carer’s Allowance may also receive Universal Credit, but the amount may be adjusted.
The table below shows the basic comparison:
| Support Type | Payment Frequency | Can Be Claimed with UC | Impact on UC Amount |
| Carer’s Allowance | Weekly | Yes | Deducted from UC pound-for-pound |
| Carer’s Element (UC) | Monthly (within UC) | Yes | Increases total UC award |
Universal Credit adjusts depending on earnings and circumstances. If a carer is eligible for the Carer’s Element, it provides financial stability and may exempt them from work-related responsibilities.
Who Qualifies as a Carer Under Universal Credit Rules?
Universal Credit recognises carers based on a defined set of criteria. To qualify as a carer under UC rules, an individual must:
- Provide care for at least 35 hours per week
- Be caring for someone who receives a qualifying disability benefit
The care provided must be regular and substantial. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) considers various forms of support under this definition, such as helping with daily activities, managing medication, mobility assistance, or emotional support.
The qualifying benefits the person being cared for must receive include:
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – daily living component
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA) – middle or higher care rate
- Attendance Allowance
- Constant Attendance Allowance
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
This caring role does not need to be formally recognised or involve professional caregiving. Many carers are family members or close friends providing informal support.
It is essential that the hours are not averaged over a longer period. The 35 hours per week must be met on a weekly basis.
What Is the Claimant Commitment and How Does It Apply to Carers?
When someone applies for Universal Credit, they are required to agree to a Claimant Commitment. This is a legally binding agreement that outlines the actions the claimant will take to prepare for and find work or to increase their earnings if already employed.
For carers, the Claimant Commitment is tailored to their personal circumstances. If a claimant qualifies for the Carer’s Element, their responsibilities are typically limited. In many cases, they are placed into the ‘no work-related requirements’ group, meaning they:
- Are not required to search for work
- Do not need to attend jobcentre interviews
- Will not be sanctioned for not applying for jobs
However, this exemption is not automatic. It must be assessed and approved during the Universal Credit application process or at a work coach appointment. The work coach will determine which conditionality group the individual falls into.
If the carer is not eligible for the Carer’s Element or their caring responsibilities do not meet the minimum threshold, they may be placed into a different group with more expectations.
Claimants can view their Claimant Commitment and track their responsibilities in their Universal Credit online account. Updates are made if circumstances change, and each update must be accepted to continue receiving payments.
Are Carers Exempt from Looking for Work on Universal Credit?
In most cases, yes. If someone is caring for a person who receives a qualifying disability benefit and the care is for 35 or more hours per week, they are usually placed into the ‘no work-related requirements’ conditionality group. This group does not require the individual to:
- Apply for jobs
- Attend work-related training
- Participate in work search activities
Being in this group also means that the individual is protected from sanctions for failing to meet job-seeking obligations, provided their caring status remains valid.
This exemption recognises that caring is, in itself, a full-time commitment. However, the exemption only applies if:
- The carer provides sufficient evidence
- The person being cared for receives an eligible benefit
- The carer agrees to a Claimant Commitment reflecting this status
If these conditions are not met, the work coach may place the claimant in a group with some or all work requirements.
In cases where there are other vulnerabilities or challenges, such as homelessness, illness, or bereavement, the work-related activities may be reduced or temporarily removed. These decisions are assessed individually.
How Does Carer’s Allowance Affect Universal Credit Work Requirements?
Carer’s Allowance is a separate benefit that may be claimed by those providing substantial care. It is worth noting that receiving Carer’s Allowance does not automatically affect work requirements, but it plays a role in Universal Credit assessments.
If a person receives Carer’s Allowance, Universal Credit is reduced pound-for-pound. However, this does not stop someone from receiving the Carer’s Element within UC, which may increase their total entitlement.
The table below shows how the benefits interact:
| Scenario | Effect on Work Requirements |
| Receiving Carer’s Allowance and UC | May be exempt from work search if 35+ hours of care |
| Receiving Carer’s Element (without Carer’s Allowance) | Still likely exempt, based on caring hours |
| Not receiving either | May still be required to look for or prepare for work |
Even if not claiming Carer’s Allowance, a person may still qualify for the Carer’s Element within Universal Credit, which often results in exemption from job-seeking activities.
What Type of Support Can Carers Expect from Jobcentre Plus?
Jobcentre Plus offers a range of services to people receiving Universal Credit, including those who are full-time or part-time carers. While carers who qualify for the ‘no work-related requirements’ group are not obliged to engage in work-related activities, support is still available for those who wish to explore employment or training opportunities in the future.
The support offered is flexible, voluntary, and tailored to the unique responsibilities carers manage on a daily basis. It recognises the challenges of balancing caregiving with potential employment or personal development goals.
Personalised Work Coach Guidance
Every Universal Credit claimant, including carers, is assigned a work coach. For carers, the work coach’s role is supportive rather than directive especially when they fall into the exempt group.
A work coach can assist with:
- Reviewing and confirming carer status for exemption
- Adjusting the Claimant Commitment if care responsibilities change
- Helping understand the implications of starting part-time or full-time work
If a carer wishes to explore work options, their coach may create a voluntary work plan that does not affect their entitlement.
Help With Job Search and Applications
Carers who want to find part-time employment or return to work after a break can request help from Jobcentre Plus. Services include:
- Guidance on job searches tailored to flexible or part-time roles
- Support with completing application forms
- Help with interview preparation and confidence-building
These services are offered on a voluntary basis and do not affect the Universal Credit award, provided the carer still meets the exemption criteria.
CV Writing and Skills Development
Even if not actively seeking employment, some carers may want to build skills for the future. Jobcentre Plus offers access to:
- CV creation and improvement workshops
- Online tools to assess current skills and identify gaps
- Digital training for those unfamiliar with online applications
In some cases, Jobcentre Plus may refer carers to free or subsidised local training programmes.
Access to Training Courses
Carers who express interest in retraining or upgrading their qualifications may be eligible for government-funded training or learning support. This can include:
- Short courses (e.g., IT skills, bookkeeping, communication)
- Vocational qualifications through local colleges
- Distance learning programmes
Participation is optional and based on availability. The work coach can help identify what’s realistic given the carer’s time constraints and commitments.
Voluntary Work Preparation Support
Even if a carer is exempt from job search activities, they may choose to engage in work preparation activities to keep their options open. Examples include:
- Attending informational sessions on returning to work
- Setting long-term employment goals
- Participating in mock interview sessions
These activities are not mandatory and do not carry the risk of sanctions. Instead, they are designed to empower carers and offer them more control over their future employment choices.
Flexible Appointments and Online Access
Jobcentre Plus understands the unpredictable nature of caring duties. As a result, it offers:
- Flexible scheduling of appointments to avoid conflicts with caring tasks
- The ability to conduct appointments online or via phone, depending on the carer’s preference and eligibility
- Updates and communication through the Universal Credit online account
This ensures that carers do not have to compromise their responsibilities while accessing support.
Childcare and Parenting Advice for Carers with Children
Carers who also have children may receive additional support related to parenting responsibilities. Jobcentre Plus may offer:
- Advice on claiming childcare costs through Universal Credit
- Signposting to approved childcare providers
- Information on support available for single parents or those with young children
This is especially helpful for carers who may be juggling caregiving and parenting duties.
Encouragement Without Pressure
The overarching goal of Jobcentre Plus when working with carers is to support without imposing. If the carer is exempt from work-related activities, they are not penalised for declining training or work search support. The services are provided to:
- Encourage personal development
- Reduce isolation
- Increase confidence over time
This means that a carer can access help at their own pace, whenever they feel ready, without fear of losing their benefit entitlement.
Can a Carer Be Moved to a Different Conditionality Group?
A carer’s situation may change over time, leading to a reassessment of their conditionality group within Universal Credit. Some of the main reasons for a group change include:
- No longer providing 35 hours of care per week
- The person being cared for stops receiving a qualifying benefit
- A change in the carer’s own health or ability to work
In such cases, a work coach may move the claimant to a different group. Universal Credit has four conditionality groups:
- All Work-Related Requirements Group
- Work Preparation Group
- Work-Focused Interview Group
- No Work-Related Requirements Group
Carers assessed as having Limited Capability for Work (LCW) or Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) are assigned to conditionality groups that reflect their health conditions.
To ensure accuracy, carers should report any changes in their circumstances using the Universal Credit online portal. This includes any adjustments in the hours of care provided or the status of the person receiving care.
What Are the Financial Benefits Available for Carers on Universal Credit?
Carers who meet eligibility criteria may receive the Carer’s Element as part of their Universal Credit payment. This element provides additional income and recognises the financial impact of caring.
As of the latest update, the Carer’s Element is worth £198.31 per month. To qualify, the individual must:
- Provide care for at least 35 hours per week
- Care for someone receiving an eligible disability benefit
- Not earn over the earnings threshold for Carer’s Allowance
Other financial support may include:
- Housing element to cover rent
- Child element if caring for dependent children
- Access to grants and emergency loans through UC
- Council Tax Reduction through local authority applications
Although the Carer’s Element increases the total Universal Credit amount, any income from Carer’s Allowance will be deducted from UC payments.
Carers should also be aware of the benefit cap, although in many cases, receiving the Carer’s Element exempts them from this limit.
How Can Carers Ensure They Meet Their Universal Credit Responsibilities?
It’s important for carers to keep their Universal Credit profile up to date and comply with the requirements outlined in their Claimant Commitment. This helps avoid overpayments, underpayments, or sanctions.
Key steps include:
- Reporting any change in caring hours or circumstances
- Verifying the qualifying benefit status of the person they care for
- Maintaining communication with their work coach
- Checking and updating their Claimant Commitment as needed
Failure to follow these responsibilities without good reason can result in a sanction, which may reduce the UC payment for a period. However, sanctions are not applied to those in the no work-related requirements group unless they fail to report changes or engage when required.
Conclusion
Caring for someone on a full-time basis is a significant commitment, and Universal Credit acknowledges this by offering financial support and often exempting carers from work-related responsibilities.
If you provide at least 35 hours of care weekly and meet the eligibility criteria, you’re likely to be placed in the no work-related requirements group.
It’s essential to keep your details updated and communicate with your work coach to ensure your responsibilities and entitlements are accurately reflected in your Universal Credit claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum number of care hours required to be exempt from job-seeking under Universal Credit?
To be exempt from work-related requirements, a carer must provide at least 35 hours of care per week for someone who receives a qualifying disability benefit.
Can I still receive Universal Credit if I get Carer’s Allowance?
Yes, but the Carer’s Allowance will be deducted from your Universal Credit payment. However, you may still qualify for the Carer’s Element, which can increase your overall entitlement.
Do I need to tell Universal Credit if I stop being a carer?
Absolutely. You must report any change in your circumstances, including if you stop providing care. This may affect your Claimant Commitment and payment amount.
Can I work part-time and still get the Carer’s Element?
Yes, you can work part-time, but your earnings and hours will be assessed. Providing you continue to meet the 35-hour care requirement, you may still qualify for the Carer’s Element.
What happens if I don’t meet my Claimant Commitment?
Failing to meet your commitments without a valid reason can lead to a sanction, which means a reduction in your Universal Credit payment for a set period.
How do I know which conditionality group I am in?
Your work coach will inform you during your application process, and it will be recorded in your Claimant Commitment, which you can access via your UC online account.
Can I volunteer while receiving the Carer’s Element?
Yes, volunteering is allowed and does not affect your eligibility for the Carer’s Element, provided it doesn’t interfere with your 35 hours of caregiving duties.
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