A state pensioner has sparked a warning from HMRC over claiming the state pension AND Carer’s Allowance from the Department for Work and Pensions, or DWP. The retiree reached out to HMRC via social media site X, formerly Twitter.

The state pensioner said: “In December I start receiving state pension. I’ve notified DWP of this and Carer’s Allowance will end. Do you update my income details and tax codes automatically or do I need to notify you and if so how is best way?”

HMRC said: “The DWP will tell us about the state pension, but you should tell us about any change to the Carer’s Allowance. You can contact the helpline either by phone, webchat or post.”

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You cannot get the full amount of both Carer’s Allowance and your State Pension at the same time.

If your pension is £83.30 a week or more, you will not get a Carer’s Allowance payment.

If your pension is less than £83.30 a week, you’ll get a Carer’s Allowance payment to make up the difference.

If your State Pension is more than £83.30 a week, you will not get a Carer’s Allowance payment but your Pension Credit payments will increase instead.

Carer’s Allowance supports people who provide care for someone for more than 35 hours weekly, provided the care recipient receives certain benefits. The DWP benefit provides £83.30 a week, or £4,331.60 annually.

You need to spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone. This can include:

  • helping with washing and cooking

  • taking the person you care for to a doctor’s appointment

  • helping with household tasks, like managing bills and shopping

All of the following must apply:

  • you spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone

  • you’ve been in England, Scotland or Wales for at least 2 of the last 3 years (this does not apply if you’re a refugee or have humanitarian protection status)

  • you normally live in England or Wales, or you live abroad as a member of the armed forces (you might still be eligible if you’re moving to or already living in an EEA country or Switzerland)

  • you’re not in full-time education

  • you’re not studying for 21 hours a week or more

  • you’re not subject to immigration control

  • your earnings are £196 or less a week after tax, National Insurance and expenses