Can I claim carers allowance?

LindyLou24

I have checked the criteria for Carers allowance and can tick all the boxes....

However, I am self employed and my income fluctuates, I operate through a ltd company.  I do not have any PAYE set up and instead pay myself a lump sum depending on how much I have earnt that year at the end of my financial year.

For the last 4 years I have not had enough money coming into my ltd company to pay any tax as I fall below the threshold.

So my question is....could I claim carers allowance, providing I don't pay myself anymore than the amount £196 per week from April 2025...this again would be a lump sum at the end of my financial year.  Or would I need to set up a PAYE for this sum?

And my second question is...if I am fortunate enough to earn more money than this can I pay this additional amount from my ltd bank account into my pension as an employee or employer contribution?  Thereby not earning anymore than the limit of £196?

Hope this all makes sense and thanks in advance for your advice.

Bigwheels1111

It’s a mine field, works on weekly pay.
Go 1p over and you are screwed.