Support Payment for Unpaid Carers
Eligible unpaid carers can apply for a one-off payment of £500 in recognition of the increased financial pressures during the pandemic.
A second and final registration period will be open between 9.00am on 15 August 2022 and 5.00pm on 2 September 2022.
This will give an opportunity for those who did not register during the first registration window (16 May - 15 July 2022) to register for the payment.
If you have already received a payment you cannot register again as this is the same scheme.
Please note, you should register with the Council where you live, not the Council where the person you care for lives (if it is different)
Who is eligible for this payment?
A one-off £500 payment is available to all eligible unpaid carers in Wales who were in receipt of Carers Allowance on 31 March 2022.
If you were not in receipt of Carers Allowance on 31 March 2022 but have an application in progress which may be backdated to 31 March 2022 you should still register for the Unpaid Carers Support payment by the closing date of 2 September 2022. You will need to notify us of the outcome of your application as soon you receive it.
The payment is being made in recognition of the increased financial pressures many unpaid carers have experienced during the pandemic, and to help with some of the additional costs they have incurred. The payment is targeted towards those individuals who care for someone for at least 35 hours a week and have low incomes.
Who is not eligible for this payment?
Anyone not in receipt of Carers Allowance on 31 March 2022.
The Welsh Government has clarified that individuals are not eligible for the payment if:
- they ONLY have an underlying entitlement to Carers Allowance but do not receive a payment because they are in receipt of another benefit at the same or higher rate, or
- they ONLY receive a carer premium/element within a means tested benefit such as Universal Credit, Employment Support Allowance or Guaranteed Credit.
If someone is receiving Carers Allowance AND a carer premium as part of a means tested benefit, they are eligible for the payment.
Questions about why some people are eligible and others are not must be sent to Welsh Government. We will not be able to provide any answers as the rules were decided by Welsh Government. Queries can be sent to olderpeopleandcarers@gov.wales
Who will need to register for this payment?
Everyone who believes they are eligible for this payment must register. We are not allowed to make any automatic payments even if we already hold your bank details from previous grant applications like the Winter Fuel Payment or Cost of Living Payment.
When can I register?
If you believe you may qualify for this support, you can submit a claim using the link below.
When is the deadline for registering?
All registration forms must be received before 5.00pm on 2 September 2022.
Please note, you should register with the council where you live, not the council where the person you care for lives (if it is different).
When will payments be made?
Payments for successful claims will be made by 25 November 2022.
More information about the payment
For more information about this scheme (including details of why it does not impact other benefits you may be receiving) please visit: Unpaid carer financial support scheme (Welsh Government)
Before you register for the Unpaid Carers Support Payment
Before you register, make sure you have the following with you:
- your National Insurance number
- your bank account number and sort code
If your claim is approved
If you have been informed that your claim was successful you should receive payment into your nominated bank account within 14 working days. We will also send you an email to tell you that your application was successful.
If your claim is not approved
Your claim will be refused if you do not meet the eligibility criteria. You cannot appeal or ask for a review of your claim. We will also send you an email to tell you that your application was unsuccessful.