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Carer's Allowance overpayments, driven by exceeding earnings limits, fluctuated significantly annually.

Recommendation
From 2018–19 to 2023–24, the number of new Carer’s Allowance overpayments identified by the Department each year fluctuated between 32,500 and 60,800. The main cause of Carer’s Allowance overpayments is a claimant having earnings which exceed the permitted limit.53
Government Response

A response document is linked to this report, dated 7 April 2026. Response attribution to this conclusion has not been verified. Read the response document.

Addressee Bodies
HM Treasury
Timeline
Recommendation age 0.6 yr
Report published 11 Feb 2026