Carer’s Allowance evidence deadline is 11:59pm today

Carers have until 11:59pm today, 18 August 2026, to tell the Department for Work and Pensions how Carer’s Allowance could be modernised. People with relevant experience should check the official response form and accessibility instructions before the deadline.

By GlobeBids Service Desk
Published 18 August 2026

Who can respond before tonight’s deadline

The call for evidence is open to unpaid carers, former carers, organisations and anyone with relevant knowledge or experience. Although Carer’s Allowance supports eligible people in England and Wales, the government says responses are welcome from across the UK.

Useful contributions may describe how the current rules affect employment, household finances or the ability to continue caring. Organisations supporting carers can also submit evidence based on their work.

Carer’s Allowance currently includes a requirement to provide at least 35 hours of care each week. The consultation describes a weekly earnings limit of £204. Those rules remain in force while the review is underway.

Which Carer’s Allowance issues are under review

The DWP is seeking evidence about practical problems and possible approaches to reform, including:

• How the weekly earnings limit affects decisions about taking or increasing paid work.
• Whether an earnings taper could provide a smoother reduction in support.
• How fluctuating or irregular income should be calculated.
• The challenges of combining employment with substantial caring responsibilities.
• How current arrangements affect carers with different working patterns.

Specific examples can be especially helpful. Respondents may wish to explain what happened when earnings changed between weeks or pay periods, how predictable the result was and whether the rules affected their working hours.

How to submit evidence today

The main submission route is the official online response form. Respondents should allow time to review the questions and complete the form before 11:59pm.

The official page also provides an email route for attachments and responses that exceed the online form’s limit. Anyone using email should follow the published submission instructions carefully.

Alternative formats include British Sign Language, Easy Read, audio, Braille, large print and Welsh. Carers who need one of these options should consult the accessibility section on the official page today rather than waiting until close to the deadline.

The consultation does not change entitlement today

This exercise is intended to inform future government thinking about Carer’s Allowance. It does not alter current eligibility, payment or earnings rules on 18 August, and none of the possible reforms under discussion is guaranteed to be adopted.

The Department for Work and Pensions published the call for evidence and a related announcement inviting experiences from across the UK. Anyone making financial decisions should rely on current official benefit guidance, not the reform ideas being considered in this consultation.

Source: Department for Work and Pensions