TL;DR
Carer's Allowance and the State Pension are both treated as earnings-replacement benefits, so you usually cannot be paid both in full at the same time. If your State Pension is more than the Carer's Allowance rate, you cannot be paid Carer's Allowance on top, but you may keep an underlying entitlement to it. That underlying entitlement can still increase means-tested benefits such as Pension Credit through the carer addition, so it is worth claiming even if no extra Carer's Allowance is paid.
Last reviewed 30 June 2026
Why you usually cannot get both
Carer's Allowance and the State Pension are both classed as earnings-replacement benefits. A long-standing rule prevents someone from being paid two such benefits in full at the same time, known as the overlapping benefit rule. This is why carers reaching State Pension age often find that their Carer's Allowance stops or reduces, even though they are still caring.
What happens at State Pension age
When you reach State Pension age and claim your State Pension, the two benefits are compared. If your State Pension is more than the weekly Carer's Allowance rate, you cannot be paid Carer's Allowance on top, so the Carer's Allowance itself is not paid. If your State Pension is less than the Carer's Allowance rate, you may be paid the difference, so that your combined income reaches the Carer's Allowance level.
Underlying entitlement explained
Even where no Carer's Allowance is paid because of the overlap, you can still have what is called an underlying entitlement to it. This means you meet all the conditions for Carer's Allowance but it is not paid because of another benefit. Underlying entitlement is valuable because it can unlock extra amounts in means-tested benefits, which is why it is worth making the claim even when no Carer's Allowance will be paid.
The Pension Credit carer addition
An underlying entitlement to Carer's Allowance can qualify you for the carer addition in Pension Credit, worth £48.15 a week for 2026/27. This raises the income level Pension Credit tops you up to, so it can increase your Pension Credit award or bring you into entitlement. For many older carers, this is the real financial benefit of claiming Carer's Allowance, rather than the allowance itself.
Should you still claim Carer's Allowance
Because of the underlying entitlement, it is usually worth claiming Carer's Allowance even if you are near or over State Pension age and expect it not to be paid. Making the claim records that you meet the conditions, which is what unlocks the carer addition in Pension Credit and similar additions in other means-tested benefits. An adviser can help you check whether claiming improves your overall position.
Deferring your State Pension
Some carers consider deferring their State Pension so they can continue to be paid Carer's Allowance for longer. Whether this helps depends on your wider circumstances, because deferring changes your State Pension too. This is a decision worth taking advice on, since the interaction between deferral, Carer's Allowance and any means-tested benefits can be complex.
Related guides
Disclaimer: This article is general information and not financial or welfare advice. The rules on overlapping benefits and underlying entitlement are complex. Before making decisions about claiming or deferring, get advice from a free service such as Citizens Advice, Carers UK or Age UK. Figures are from the GOV.UK sources below.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get Carer's Allowance and the State Pension at the same time?
Usually not in full. If your State Pension is more than the Carer's Allowance rate, Carer's Allowance is not paid on top. If it is less, you may be paid the difference.
What is an underlying entitlement to Carer's Allowance?
It means you meet all the conditions for Carer's Allowance but it is not paid because of another benefit such as the State Pension. It can still increase means-tested benefits.
How does it affect Pension Credit?
An underlying entitlement can qualify you for the Pension Credit carer addition, worth £48.15 a week for 2026/27, which can increase or create a Pension Credit award.
Should I claim Carer's Allowance if I am over State Pension age?
Often yes, because the underlying entitlement can unlock extra amounts in Pension Credit and other means-tested benefits, even if no Carer's Allowance is paid.
Can I defer my State Pension to keep Carer's Allowance?
Some carers consider this, but it changes your State Pension too, so it is a decision to take advice on.
