Petition · Department of Health and Social Care

Allow full-time students who provide 35+ hours care to receive Carer’s Allowance

Open for signatures 32 signatures

What the petition asks

Amend the eligibility rules for Carer’s Allowance so that people in full-time education who provide at least 35 hours of care per week can receive Carer’s Allowance, provided all other conditions are met.
Many students provide 35 hours or more of unpaid care each week for disabled parents or relatives but are excluded from Carer’s Allowance solely because they are in full-time education. This forces carers to choose between education and financial support, even though the care must still be provided. The rule is outdated and unfairly treats student carers differently from others providing the same level of care. Eligibility should be based on hours of care, not education status.

Timeline

17 Feb 2026 Petition opened for signatures

Key facts

Signatures 32
Status Open for signatures
Department Department of Health and Social Care
Opened 17 Feb 2026

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 26 Jul 2026.