Government reassessment of Carer’s Allowance overpayments

The Government has launched a reassessment of some Carer’s Allowance overpayment cases linked to fluctuating earnings, following an Independent Review published in November 2025. The review found that between April 2015 and September 2025, some overpayments arose because Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) guidance on averaging earnings did not fully reflect the legal position.

The reassessment is UK‑wide, with around 200,000 cases expected to be reviewed nationally. The Government estimates that around 25,000 people across the UK may see changes to their overpayment amounts.

Carers with past or current overpayments do not need to take any action at this stage. The DWP will contact carers directly once their case has been reassessed, which may take up to three years.

Further information, help and guidance is available on the Carers UK Carer’s Allowance Overpayments support hub.