The government is expected to change Carer’s Allowance so unpaid carers can earn more than the current weekly limit without immediately losing the benefit. Instead of a “cliff edge” where exceeding the earnings threshold withdraws the payment in full, plans would introduce a taper that reduces the allowance gradually as earnings rise above the limit.
The proposed shift is described as part of “everyday fixes” associated with an upcoming Budget, with the aim of preventing sudden financial losses for carers who take on a small amount of additional paid work. Outlets frame the change differently: some emphasize the mechanics of the reform, while others highlight that the current rule is widely seen as punitive.
Coverage also points to how much Carer’s Allowance can be worth, including weekly figures for different parts of the UK, and estimates of how many people claim it. A separate report says the change is to be announced in Wednesday’s budget, with a new digital taper system replacing the existing approach.
