Carer Breaks Payment Service run by Adult Social Care

The new Carer Breaks Payment Service is run by Adult Social Care.

The one-off £300 payment – to be provided on a pre-paid card - can be used in any way that supports a carer’s wellbeing, such as a short break, a hobby or course, fitness activity, or help in the home. It could also be used for respite care or specialist equipment.

The payment is aimed at carers who are early in their caring journey or have recently been recognised as carers – it is not for carers who are receiving support from adult social care or have had a previous carer’s payment or break offer.

The new offer is different from the carers’ GP personal health budget (PHB), which can only be accessed via a clinician at a GP practice. Carers are eligible for either a PHB or a carers’ wellbeing payment, but not both.

Published on 3 September 2025