Temporary breaks in caring do not lead to loss of Carer's Allowance if you have been caring for someone for a long time.
If you have been providing care (35 hours or more) for 22 of the last 26 weeks, you can still get Carer's Allowance (CA).
Therefore, you are entitled to 4 weeks break from caring in any 6 month period.
However, if you have provided 14 weeks of care in the last 26 weeks and the reason care was not provided for 22 weeks is due you or the person you are caring for being in hospital (or a similar institution), you can still get CA.
Therefore, you can have a break of 12 weeks if either of you is in hospital for 8 or more weeks.
It is important to note that if the Attendance Allowance, Constant Attendance Allowance or Disability Living Allowance (care component) of the disabled person stops as a result of a period in hospital, CA will also stop.
What if you need a weekend break?
A week off is counted as a week in which the care provided is less than 35 hours so odd days or weekends away are unlikely to affect your entitlement.
Seek Advice
If ever you are unsure whether or not it is to your advantage to claim Carer's Allowance, please seek the advice of a Benefits Adviser.