Carer’s Allowance does not stop the day the person you care for dies. You receive an 8-week bereavement run-on, giving you time to adjust before the payment ends. Here is exactly what happens and what you need to do in 2026/27.
The 8-Week Bereavement Run-On
When the person you care for dies, Carer’s Allowance continues automatically for 8 weeks from the date of death. During this period:
- You receive the full Carer’s Allowance rate: £83.30/week
- No action is needed to receive the 8-week run-on — it is automatic
- The run-on also applies to the carer element in Universal Credit (£198.31/month)
After 8 weeks, both Carer’s Allowance and the UC carer element stop unless you have a new qualifying caring role.
| Payment | Rate 2026/27 | Run-on period |
|---|---|---|
| Carer’s Allowance | £83.30/week | 8 weeks after death |
| UC carer element | £198.31/month | 8 weeks after death |
What You Must Report and When
You are legally required to notify DWP of the death. The fastest route is the Tell Us Once service, available when you register the death at the local register office. Tell Us Once notifies DWP, HMRC, the Pension Service, DVLA, and the Passport Office in a single step.
If you prefer to contact DWP directly:
- Bereavement service: 0800 151 2012 (Monday–Friday, 8am–6pm)
- Alternatively call the Carer’s Allowance Unit: 0800 731 0297
Even though the 8-week run-on continues after the death, DWP needs the notification to stop payments at the correct time and avoid an overpayment.
After the 8 Weeks: What to Claim Next
Once Carer’s Allowance ends, your financial situation changes. The options depend on your age and circumstances:
If You Are Working Age (Under 66)
- Universal Credit — if you have a low income and limited savings (under £16,000), you may qualify. Without the carer element, UC entitlement is assessed on normal income/capital rules. Report the end of your caring role in your UC journal.
- Jobseeker’s Allowance or Employment Support Allowance — if you were not working during your caring role and now need support finding work or are unwell.
- New Style ESA — if you have a health condition yourself, and have paid sufficient NI contributions.
If You Are Pension Age (66+)
- Pension Credit — claim if your total income is below £218.15/week (single) or £332.95/week (couple). Pension Credit also opens access to other help including Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, and free dental care.
- Bereavement Support Payment — available if your spouse or civil partner died and they had paid enough NI contributions. A lump sum of £3,500 plus up to 18 monthly payments of £350. You must claim within 3 months to receive the full amount.
Worked Example: Janet, 58, Carer for Her Mother
Janet received Carer’s Allowance of £83.30/week while caring for her mother, who also received Enhanced PIP daily living. Janet’s mother dies in May 2026.
Weeks 1–8: Janet continues to receive £83.30/week automatically.
After Week 8: Carer’s Allowance stops. Janet contacts Citizens Advice and discovers she is eligible for Universal Credit (she has £4,200 in savings and no income). She claims UC — without the carer element, she receives the standard allowance of £316.98/month as a single person over 25.
Also eligible: Janet may be able to claim New Style ESA as she has back pain and a GP letter supporting her incapacity. She should check both routes with Citizens Advice.
Benefits Paid to the Person Who Died
Payments like PIP, Attendance Allowance, and State Pension belong to the deceased — they stop on the date of death. Any payment received after death (other than legitimate arrears covering the period up to death) must be returned to DWP.
Do not spend money from a deceased person’s account if you are uncertain whether it is owed. DWP will pursue recovery of overpayments from the estate.
Carer’s Allowance and Your Own Wellbeing
Bereavement after a caring role is particularly isolating — many carers have few social connections outside the caring relationship. The following organisations offer free support:
- Cruse Bereavement Care: 0808 808 1677
- Carers UK: 0808 808 7777
- Citizens Advice: 0800 144 8848
See our Carer’s Allowance guide, Carer’s Allowance and state pension, and Universal Credit guide.