DWP Confirms £201 Bonus for Universal Credit Claimants: If you’re on Universal Credit and care for someone with a qualifying disability or health condition, listen up—because the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has officially confirmed a £201.68 monthly bonus that could land in your pocket. This bonus, known as the carer’s element, is designed to help ease the financial load for those who dedicate significant time supporting loved ones.
Whether you’re new to Universal Credit or just haven’t explored all your benefit options, this guide breaks down what the bonus means, how to check your eligibility, and how to claim it — all served up in a straightforward way that even a 10-year-old could follow. Plus, we’ll drop some solid tips so you don’t miss out on any other cash or support you deserve.
DWP Confirms £201 Bonus for Universal Credit Claimants
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Bonus Amount | £201.68 per month |
| Eligibility Criteria | Care for someone receiving qualifying disability or health-related benefits |
| Minimum Care Hours | At least 35 hours per week |
| How to Apply | Report caring responsibilities via Universal Credit online account |
| Cannot Combine With | Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) element |
| Additional Support Available | Carer’s Allowance, Help to Save, Household Support Fund, Childcare Support |
| Official Info & Application | Gov.uk – Universal Credit |
If you’re a caregiver on Universal Credit, the £201.68 carer’s element is a welcome lifeline to help manage the costs of caregiving. It’s crucial to report your caring responsibilities promptly to make sure you get every penny you deserve. Alongside this bonus, don’t forget to explore other benefits like Carer’s Allowance, the Help to Save scheme, and local support funds.
Remember, the DWP’s goal is to support you as much as possible because caring is tough work, and your efforts deserve respect — and financial recognition. So, log into your Universal Credit account today, update your status, and claim what’s rightfully yours.
What Is the £201 Carer’s Element?
The carer’s element is an additional payment added to your Universal Credit if you care for someone who receives certain disability benefits. It’s intended to help with the extra costs and time commitments that come with caregiving. The DWP introduced this to acknowledge the critical role carers play in supporting vulnerable people — a role that’s often unpaid but invaluable.
In plain talk: if you spend 35 hours or more a week caring for someone with a disability or health condition, and that person gets one of the qualifying benefits, you could get an extra £201.68 a month added to your Universal Credit payment. That’s a real boost to help cover bills, groceries, or just give you some breathing room financially.
Who Qualifies for the Carer’s Element?
The eligibility is pretty specific. To score this bonus, you must be caring for someone who receives one of these benefits:
- Adult Disability Payment (Scotland)
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Attendance Allowance
- Child Disability Payment (Scotland)
- Constant Attendance Allowance (Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit or War Disablement Pension)
- Disability Living Allowance (middle or highest care rate)
- Personal Independence Payment (either rate of the daily living part)
And, you have to be providing care for at least 35 hours a week. That’s roughly the time commitment of a full-time job, so the DWP wants to make sure this support goes to carers really putting in the hours.
One important thing: if you’re already receiving the Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) element on Universal Credit, you cannot get the carer’s element at the same time.
Also, if you and your partner are both caring for the same person, only one of you can claim the carer’s element to avoid double payment.
How to Apply and Get the Bonus: Step-by-Step Guide
Getting this bonus isn’t automatic, so here’s the lowdown on how to claim it without any hassle:
- Log in to your Universal Credit online account.
Visit Universal Credit sign in to access your account. - Navigate to the ‘Report a change’ section.
This is where you update your circumstances, including caring responsibilities. - Fill in the caring details.
You’ll be asked who you care for, how many hours per week you provide care, and the nature of the care. - Submit any supporting documents if asked.
This may include proof of the disabled person’s benefit entitlement. - Review and confirm your update.
Once submitted, the DWP will review your information. - Wait for confirmation and payment adjustment.
If approved, the £201.68 carer’s element will be added to your monthly payment.
Pro tip: Keep a record of your caring hours and any correspondence with DWP in case they need further evidence.
Real-Life Example: Meet Sarah
Sarah, a 38-year-old single mom from Manchester, cares full-time for her father who receives the Personal Independence Payment. Before updating her Universal Credit claim, Sarah wasn’t aware of the carer’s element. After reporting her caregiving hours (which exceed 35 per week), she started receiving the extra £201.68 every month. That money helped her cover unexpected medical expenses and eased her stress about making ends meet.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not reporting your caring responsibilities: Many carers miss out simply because they don’t inform DWP about their care duties.
- Underestimating care hours: Accurately record all time spent caring, including meal prep, shopping, or medical appointments.
- Claiming carer’s element while on LCWRA: You can’t claim both simultaneously, so check which is more beneficial.
- Missing deadlines for reporting changes: Update your details as soon as your caring situation changes to avoid payment delays.
The Bigger Picture: Caregiving in the UK
According to Carers UK, over 6.5 million people in the UK provide unpaid care to family or friends. That’s roughly 1 in 8 adults. Financial support like the carer’s element is vital because caregiving often leads to reduced working hours or leaving the workforce entirely.
In 2023, around 400,000 Universal Credit claimants received the carer’s element, showcasing how many families rely on this support.
Additional Benefits and Support Carers Should Know About
While the £201.68 carer’s element is a solid help, it’s just one piece of the support puzzle. Here are some other options you may want to explore:
1. Carer’s Allowance
If you care for someone at least 35 hours a week and earn less than £139 per week (after tax and certain expenses), you might qualify for Carer’s Allowance. This is a separate benefit that can add up to £76.75 per week (as of 2025). Note that if you claim Carer’s Allowance, it might affect other benefits.
2. Help to Save Scheme
If you can manage to put aside some savings, the government’s Help to Save scheme rewards you with a 50% bonus on your savings (up to £50 per month), which can add up to £1,200 over four years. It’s a great way to build a safety net for the future.
3. Household Support Fund
Local councils can provide discretionary help for essentials like food, energy bills, and clothing through the Household Support Fund. Check with your local authority to see what help might be available.
4. Childcare Support
If you’re working or studying and need help with childcare costs, Universal Credit may cover up to 85% of these expenses. This can relieve financial pressure for working carers.
Money Management Tips for Carers
Being a carer often means juggling finances on a tight budget. Here’s some advice to stretch your pounds:
- Create a monthly budget: Track income, benefits, and expenses to spot where you can save.
- Look for local charities: Organizations like Carers Trust and Age UK offer grants or support services.
- Use free financial advice: Citizens Advice offers free help with benefits, debts, and budgeting.
- Check eligibility regularly: Benefits rules can change—make sure you’re updated.
How This Fits Into the UK Social Safety Net
The carer’s element is one part of a complex welfare system designed to support people who need care and their carers. It works alongside:
- Universal Credit main payments
- Disability benefits for the cared-for person
- Local council support
- NHS services and social care programs
This layered support is intended to provide financial relief, social inclusion, and health assistance for vulnerable populations.
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Looking Ahead: Upcoming Changes to Keep an Eye On
Government benefits often undergo reviews. Keep an eye on:
- Changes in Universal Credit thresholds or eligibility rules
- Possible adjustments in carer’s element rates due to inflation
- New support schemes for carers post-pandemic
Following official gov.uk updates or trusted news outlets helps you stay ahead.
FAQs About DWP Confirms £201 Bonus for Universal Credit Claimants
Q1: Is the £201.68 bonus taxable?
No, the carer’s element paid through Universal Credit is not taxable.
Q2: Can I claim the carer’s element if I only care part-time?
No, you must provide at least 35 hours of care per week to qualify.
Q3: Does the person I care for need to live with me?
Not necessarily. The care can be provided in various settings, but it must meet the 35-hour minimum.
Q4: What if I don’t receive Universal Credit—can I still get this bonus?
The carer’s element is specific to Universal Credit. Other benefits like Carer’s Allowance may apply if you’re on different support programs.
Q5: How soon will I get the carer’s element after applying?
Processing times vary, but typically adjustments are made in your next Universal Credit payment cycle.
