Carer's Allowance overpayments: what every parent carer should check

## The issue Thousands of unpaid carers have been hit with large overpayment demands — often after small breaches of the weekly earnings limit went undetected by DWP for years. ## What's changing - DWP is investing in better real-time checks against HMRC earnings data. - New guidance encourages earlier contact with carers who edge over the limit, rather than letting debts build. - Some historic overpayments are being reviewed where DWP error contributed. ## What to do as a parent carer - Check the current Carer's Allowance weekly earnings limit on GOV.UK before taking on extra hours. - Remember allowable deductions (pension contributions, some childcare and care costs) can reduce assessable earnings. - Report any change in circumstances in writing and keep a copy. - If you receive an overpayment letter, **don't panic and don't ignore it** — get advice from Citizens Advice or Carers UK before responding. **Source:** DWP guidance on Carer's Allowance; National Audit Office report on Carer's Allowance overpayments.