Women’s Policy Group Calls for Urgent Reform of Carer’s Allowance to Tackle Poverty and Gender Inequality
19 August 2026 - The WRDA led Women’s Policy Group (WPG) has submitted evidence to the Department for Work and Pensions' Call for Evidence on Carer’s Allowance, highlighting the urgent need for reforms that recognise the value of unpaid care and address the financial hardship experienced by carers.
The WPG's response emphasises that caring responsibilities continue to fall disproportionately on women, with 70% of Carer’s Allowance recipients in Northern Ireland being female. The group argues that the current allowance rate and earnings rules leave many carers trapped in poverty despite the substantial contribution they make to society and the economy.
The WPG is calling for clearer earnings rules, better alignment between Carer’s Allowance and Universal Credit, the removal of barriers facing student carers, and greater investment in support services. The group also warns that any changes to the benefit must not worsen the already high levels of poverty experienced by carers in Northern Ireland.
The full response endorses recommendations from carers' organisations and urges policymakers to place carers' lived experiences at the centre of future reforms
-ENDS-
Contact:
Elaine Crory, Women's Sector Lobbyist, WRDA
Meghan Hoyt, Women's Sector Lobbyist Policy Assistant, WRDA