Is debt advice really free?

Yes, with the charities and services listed above. They are funded so you do not have to pay. If a company asks for an up-front fee for advice, stop and check them against the Financial Conduct Authority's register first.

Will getting debt advice affect my credit score?

Talking to an adviser does not affect your credit file. Some solutions, such as a debt management plan or IVA, can be recorded on it. An adviser will explain the effects before you choose.

Will the adviser judge me?

No. Debt advisers help people from all walks of life, and what you tell them is confidential. Many people get into debt after a job loss, illness, relationship breakdown or a rise in living costs.

Does Sterlingsum give debt advice?

No. Sterlingsum is an information site and is not authorised to give debt advice. We link to organisations that are. We do not receive payment from any of the services listed on this page.

Carer's Allowance explained

The weekly rate, the earnings limit and how to claim.

The short answer

Carer's Allowance is a weekly benefit for people who care for someone at least 35 hours a week. For 2026/27 it is £86.45 a week, about £4,495 a year. You can work and still claim, as long as your earnings after tax, National Insurance and certain expenses are £204 a week or less.

Who can claim

You care for someone for at least 35 hours a week. This can include help with personal care, appointments, cooking, shopping and household tasks.
The person you care for already gets a qualifying disability benefit, such as Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment (daily living part) or Disability Living Allowance.
You are 16 or over and not in full-time education (study of 21 or more hours a week).
You live in England or Wales and meet the residence rules. In Scotland the benefit is called Carer Support Payment and has its own rules.
You do not need to be related to the person, or live with them.

Working and the earnings limit

The £204 limit is worked out after income tax, National Insurance, half of any pension contributions and certain expenses, such as the cost of looking after the person you care for or a child while you work. If your earnings go over the limit in a week, you can lose that week's payment, so watch your hours if your pay varies.

How it affects other benefits

Only one person can be paid Carer's Allowance for the same individual, even if you share the caring.
It counts as income for some means-tested benefits, such as Universal Credit, so the extra money may be partly taken off. Universal Credit also has a carer element, see Universal Credit explained.
The person you care for may lose a severe disability premium or an equivalent amount of their own benefit.
If you get a State Pension of £86.45 a week or more, you are not paid Carer's Allowance, although you may still have an underlying entitlement.

How to claim

Apply on GOV.UK, or by post. You will need your National Insurance number, details of your earnings and the details of the person you care for.
Claims can sometimes be backdated for up to three months, so do not delay if you think you qualify.
Tell the benefit office about any change, such as a rise in earnings or a change in the hours you care.

Where to learn more

This guide is for information only and is not tax, benefits or financial advice. Rules and amounts can change, so check the official pages before you rely on them.