Stop deducting carer's allowance from universal credit
The Issue
6 months ago my life changed dramatically when my mum was diagnosed with terminal cancer and my dad was diagnosed with vascular dementia February 2025 ,These are not just medical conditions; they affect every aspect of life, requiring full-time attention and care. Every minute of every day is dedicated to ensuring they receive the support and love they deserve. This isn't simply a familial duty; it's an essential human obligation that I believe should be supported, not penalised.
Currently, the UK government's system deducts Carer’s Allowance from Universal Credit payments, leaving many families like mine facing significant financial strains. This policy essentially punishes carers for fulfilling an indispensable role, leaves us stressed, financially insecure, and unable to meet our fundamental needs. According to Carers UK, 72% of carers experience financial hardship due to reduced earnings or job loss as a direct result of their caring responsibilities.
We must recognise that caring for loved ones who cannot care for themselves is a full-time commitment that deserves fair and adequate support. The current policy doesn’t reflect the invaluable work that carers do every day throughout the UK. It forces carers to bear an unfair burden, choosing between providing necessary care and securing their own livelihoods.
We propose that Carer's Allowance should not be considered a source of income for the purpose of Universal Credit calculations. This change would acknowledge the critical social contribution that carers make, reduce stress on already burdened families, and allow carers to focus on what truly matters: caring for their loved ones.
We call on the UK government to amend this aspect of Universal Credit policy. By doing so, they would not only alleviate financial pressures from thousands of families but also demonstrate that our society values and supports those who dedicate their lives to caring for others.
Please sign this petition and share it with others to urge policymakers to take immediate action and ensure carers are treated justly and with the dignity they deserve. Together, we can make a positive change for carers across the nation.
49
The Issue
6 months ago my life changed dramatically when my mum was diagnosed with terminal cancer and my dad was diagnosed with vascular dementia February 2025 ,These are not just medical conditions; they affect every aspect of life, requiring full-time attention and care. Every minute of every day is dedicated to ensuring they receive the support and love they deserve. This isn't simply a familial duty; it's an essential human obligation that I believe should be supported, not penalised.
Currently, the UK government's system deducts Carer’s Allowance from Universal Credit payments, leaving many families like mine facing significant financial strains. This policy essentially punishes carers for fulfilling an indispensable role, leaves us stressed, financially insecure, and unable to meet our fundamental needs. According to Carers UK, 72% of carers experience financial hardship due to reduced earnings or job loss as a direct result of their caring responsibilities.
We must recognise that caring for loved ones who cannot care for themselves is a full-time commitment that deserves fair and adequate support. The current policy doesn’t reflect the invaluable work that carers do every day throughout the UK. It forces carers to bear an unfair burden, choosing between providing necessary care and securing their own livelihoods.
We propose that Carer's Allowance should not be considered a source of income for the purpose of Universal Credit calculations. This change would acknowledge the critical social contribution that carers make, reduce stress on already burdened families, and allow carers to focus on what truly matters: caring for their loved ones.
We call on the UK government to amend this aspect of Universal Credit policy. By doing so, they would not only alleviate financial pressures from thousands of families but also demonstrate that our society values and supports those who dedicate their lives to caring for others.
Please sign this petition and share it with others to urge policymakers to take immediate action and ensure carers are treated justly and with the dignity they deserve. Together, we can make a positive change for carers across the nation.
The Decision Makers
Petition Updates
Share this petition
Petition created on 7 August 2026