Carer time budget

Caring, work, sleep and errands, out of the same 168 hours. See what is left for you, and where support could help.

Your details

Your 168 hour week

46 h 30 min

left for everything else, about 6 h 39 min a day

Caring40 h a week
Paid work16 h
Sleep45 h 30 min (6.5 a night)
Chores, travel and errands20 h
Time just for you3 h, 6% of what is left
Carer's Allowance hours test (35 a week)you meet the hours: check the other rules

Caring for 35 hours or more a week can mean Carer's Allowance (86.45 pounds a week in 2026 to 2027) if the person you care for gets a qualifying benefit and you earn 204 pounds a week or less after deductions. Anyone who cares for someone can ask their council for a free carer's assessment, which can lead to breaks, help at home and support for you. You matter in this too.

Tell your GP you are a carer: they can note it, offer flu vaccines and health checks, and help if you are exhausted or low. Carers UK has a free helpline on 0808 808 7777.

The working

40 hours caring, 16 at work, 6.5 hours sleep

Caring, work, 45 h 30 min of sleep and 20 hours of errands leave 46 h 30 min a week, about 6 h 39 min a day, for everything else. Only 3 hours of it are truly yours. Caring 40 hours passes the 35 hour test for Carer's Allowance.

Carer's Allowance

The main rules, 2026 to 2027

Rule	Detail
Caring	35 hours a week or more
The person you care for	gets a qualifying disability benefit
Your earnings	204 pounds a week or less after deductions
Amount	86.45 pounds a week

Support worth asking for

You are entitled to ask

A carer's assessment from your council, free, whatever your hours
Respite or replacement care so you can have a break
Telling your GP you are a carer
Carers UK and local carers centres for advice and peer support

Read with care

What this cannot tell you

Decide benefitsOnly the Department for Work and Pensions can decide Carer's Allowance.
Count invisible workWorry and being on call are tiring even when they do not fill hours.
Make more timeIf the week does not add up, that is a sign to ask for support.

Questions

Common questions

How many hours do you need to care for Carer's Allowance?

At least 35 hours a week, and the person you care for must get a qualifying benefit. Your earnings must be 204 pounds a week or less after deductions.

What is a carer's assessment?

A free assessment by your council of what support you need as a carer. Anyone who provides unpaid care can ask for one.

How do carers get a break?

Your council may arrange respite care after a carer's assessment, and local carers centres can point you to sitting services.

I feel exhausted. Is that normal?

It is very common, and it matters. Tell your GP you are a carer, and talk to Carers UK on 0808 808 7777.

Sources

Last checked 21 October 2026. Spotted something wrong? Tell us and we will fix it.

Support for carers

Ask your council for a free carer's assessment and tell your GP you are a carer. Carers UK has a free helpline on 0808 808 7777.