DWP says people who meet '35 hours rule' could be eligible for £354 a month payout

Thousands of people in the UK could be eligible for a monthly income boost of £354 if they meet a '35 hours' rule. Carer's Allowance is a benefit issued by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to those who help care for someone else.

This means that if you assist someone with tasks such as washing, cooking, or taking them to GP or hospital appointments, you could be entitled to some extra cash. To qualify, you must care for someone at least 35 hours per week and they must be receiving certain benefits.

You don't have to be related to, or live with, the person you care for and you won't receive additional funds if you look after more than one person. The DWP will provide those who are eligible with £81.90 per week, which over the course of one year amounts to £4,258 - or an average of £354 per month.

In order to receive Carer's Allowance, the person you care for must already be getting one of the following benefits: Personal Independence Payment - daily living component, Disability Living Allowance - the middle or highest care rate, Attendance Allowance, Constant Attendance Allowance at or above the normal maximum rate with an Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit, Constant Attendance Allowance at the basic (full day) rate with a War Disablement Pension, Armed Forces Independence Payment, Child Disability Payment - the middle or highest care rate, Adult Disability Payment - daily living component at the standard or enhanced rate.

To be eligible, you must meet all of the following criteria: be aged 16 or over; have lived in England, Scotland or Wales for at least two of the last three years; normally reside in England, Scotland or Wales, or live abroad as a member of the armed forces; be in full-time education; not be studying for 21 hours a week or more; not be subject to immigration control; and your earnings are £139 or less a week after tax, National Insurance and expenses. If care responsibilities are shared with another person, only one can claim the allowance, reports the Express.

The DWP states that you can still apply, but it will decide who should receive the benefit. It's important to note that Carer's Allowance can affect other benefits that you and the person you care for receive, and you may have to pay tax on it if your income exceeds the Personal Allowance.

However, for each week you receive the allowance, you'll automatically get National Insurance credits and you may also be able to apply for other support, including a Council Tax Reduction, Universal Credit if you're on a low income or unemployed, or Pension Credit. You can apply for the benefit on the government website and backdate your claim by up to three months.