Petitions/Make students studying less than 35 hours a week eligible for carers allowance
StatusOngoing
Opened30 Apr 2026
Closes
Government response
Parliamentary debateNot eligible
Milestones

The DWP states that anybody in “full time” education, even if they only attend classes 2-3 days a week, is not eligible to receive carer's allowance. We believe this is unsustainable. Anyone attending classes for less than 35 hours a week (equivalent to a full-time job) should be eligible.

Evidence shows young adult carers are 3x more likely to be out of education, employment, and training. Anyone making more than £204, or studying more than 21 hours per week, loses their carer's allowance, so the stats make sense. People should not have to choose between investing in their future and financial support. If I attend uni for 21 hours a week, I'd still care for my family member for more than 35 hours a week. It punishes people who still do care work for trying to improve their lives.

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Constituency engagement ranking

Tom Hayes
1Tom Hayes MP
Bournemouth East
6
Alberto Costa
2Alberto Costa MP
South Leicestershire
4
Helen Hayes
3Helen Hayes MP
Dulwich and West Norwood
3
Chris Murray
4Chris Murray MP
Edinburgh East and Musselburgh
3
Jo Stevens
5Jo Stevens MP
Cardiff East
3
Mr Connor Rand
6Mr Connor Rand MP
Altrincham and Sale West
2
Liam Conlon
7Liam Conlon MP
Beckenham and Penge
2
Daniel Zeichner
8Daniel Zeichner MP
Cambridge
2
Dr Luke Evans
9Dr Luke Evans MP
Hinckley and Bosworth
2
Cat Smith
10Cat Smith MP
Lancaster and Wyre
2