£500 Grant for Carers – How to Apply and What You Need to Know

If you’re a carer, you may have heard about the £500 carers payment offered in the past. Understandably, many are still asking if this support is available today — and how to apply for it or similar help.

This guide on £500 grant for carers how to apply breaks it down for you: what the £500 grant was, who qualified, how to check if you can claim support now, and what else might be available to help you as a carer.

What Was the £500 Carers Grant?

The £500 carers grant was a one-off payment introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was designed to recognise the vital work of unpaid carers.

It was only available to people:

• Receiving Carer’s Allowance
• Living in Scotland or Wales
• Actively caring for someone who received a disability benefit

The grant was paid automatically if you qualified. However, this scheme £500 Grant for Carers is no longer active in 2025.

Who Qualifies for the £500 Carers Payment?

To get the £500 grant back when it was offered, you had to:

• Be on Carer’s Allowance
• Live in Scotland or Wales
• Have been caring during a specific qualifying period (usually during the pandemic)

Right now, there’s no ongoing £500 payment, but there are other types of carer grants and financial support you may still be able to claim.

How Do I Apply for a Carer Grant Now?

You might not be able to apply for the original £500 grant, but you can still access support depending on where you live:

• In Scotland: If you get Carer’s Allowance, you’ll also receive the Carer’s Allowance Supplement. It’s automatic — no need to apply.
• In Wales: Some carers can get help through the Carers Support Grant. Check your local council’s website for info.
• In England: There’s no national grant, but many councils offer discretionary payments to carers. You’ll need to:
  • Visit your local council’s website
  • Search for “carer’s grant” or “carer’s support”
  • Apply online or contact them directly

You can also explore help from UK-wide charities like Turn2Us or Carers Trust, who offer grants for things like household needs, travel, or short breaks.

Other Financial Support for Carers

Even without the £500 grant, you may qualify for other financial support:

Carer’s Allowance

• Around £81.90 per week when you take care of someone for minimum 35 hours per week
• The person whom you take care must get a qualifying benefit
• There’s an earnings limit, so check if your income fits

Carer’s Element (Universal Credit)

• If you’re already on Universal Credit, you can report your caring role and receive an extra £185.86 per month

These payments are ongoing, so they may offer more consistent help than one-off grants.

Can I Claim Carer’s Allowance If I Live Abroad?

You can only continue receiving Carer’s Allowance if you:

• Move to a country in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland
• Still provide care and meet benefit rules under international agreements

If you move outside these areas, you’re likely to lose the benefit. Always speak to DWP before moving abroad.

What Free Support Can I Get as a Carer?

You may also be entitled to free services and discounts, including:

• Free flu jabs from the NHS
• Council tax reductions in some areas
• Discounted travel or entry to attractions if you accompany the person you care for
• Free courses or training from carer centres
• Help from charities for respite breaks or essential household items

Support varies depending on where you live, so always ask your local carers centre or council what’s available.

Summary Table – Carer Support at a Glance

Conclusion – What You Need to Know

Although the £500 carers payment is no longer available, there’s still financial support for carers in 2025. Whether you’re on Carer’s Allowance, Universal Credit, or looking for local grants, there are ways to get help.

Always check with your local council, carer support groups, and benefits adviser to make sure you’re claiming everything you’re entitled to. I hope you got answer for £500 Grant for Carers – How to Apply with this guide.

FAQs About £500 Grant for Carers How to Apply

1. Who qualifies for the £500 carers payment?

Only carers in Scotland and Wales who were receiving Carer’s Allowance during the pandemic qualified. It is not active in 2025.

2. How do I apply for a carer grant?

Contact your local council or visit their website. Each area has different rules and application forms.

3. Can I claim Carer’s Allowance if I live abroad?

Only when you migrate to an EEA country or Switzerland & still meet the caring conditions.

4. What free stuff can I get as a carer?

You may get free flu jabs, council tax help, attraction discounts, free training, and grants for respite or home needs.