The National Unpaid Carers Union and Forum (NUCUF) has received a rare and significant opportunity to contribute directly to the Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP) independent review of Carer’s Allowance. In response, NUCUF is urging unpaid carers across the UK to come forward and share their experiences.
This invitation from the DWP offers a critical platform for carers’ voices to be heard, particularly regarding the challenges and inconsistencies often faced within the Carer’s Allowance system. With a submission deadline of 23:59 on Sunday 11th May 2025, NUCUF is calling on carers, advocates, and those working with carer communities to respond promptly.
What is the Carer’s Allowance review asking
The DWP is seeking direct feedback on the effectiveness, clarity, and fairness of Carer’s Allowance policies and procedures. Questions include:
- What is the impact of Carer’s Allowance overpayments on carers and the people they support?
- How well do DWP processes for CA work?
- Are they clearly communicated and easy to follow?
- Easy to advise people about?
- How do carers feel they are treated?
- Could it be improved?
- Is the approach to averaging earnings clear and consistent, and could it be improved?
- Are expenses clearly understood and could this be improved?
- How does Carer’s Allowance work for the self-employed and could this be improved?
- Does DWP strike the right balance between flexibility and consistency in administering Carer’s Allowance?
- Could this be improved?
- What can best be done to support those who have accrued overpayments?
These questions strike at the core of how Carer’s Allowance functions and whether it truly supports the people it is designed to help.
For many, navigating this system is not only difficult but also emotionally and financially draining. The review presents a unique moment to identify barriers and propose solutions reflecting unpaid care’s realities.
Make your voice count
NUCUF encourages all those with lived experience of the Carer’s Allowance system to contribute their insights. Responses—whether detailed accounts or brief reflections—will be collated and submitted as part of NUCUF’s official evidence to the DWP review.
Submissions should be sent via email to leo@nucuf.com no later than Sunday 11th May 2025 at 23:59.
By amplifying the voices of unpaid carers, NUCUF aims to drive meaningful reform and greater recognition of the vital work carers perform every day. This review may be the only such opportunity for some time, and NUCUF is committed to ensuring it is not missed.
For more information and updates, visit the NUCUF website.