How long you need to be caring for the person or people you're applying for

The time you spend caring for someone might be different each week.

Even if there are some weeks when you spend fewer than 16 hours a week caring for someone, you'll still be able to get Young Carer Grant as long as:

• you usually spend 16 hours or more a week caring for them
• you've been caring for the person for at least the last 3 months

Some examples of caring for someone for around 16 hours a week include:

• doing just over 2 hours a day, 7 days a week
• 2 work shifts that are 8 hours each
• 2 full school days
• 4 evenings each week after school

If you care for more than one person 

When applying for Young Carer Grant, you can add the details of up to 3 people you're caring for to total the minimum of 16 hours a week. For example, if you care for 2 people and spend 8 hours with each person, you should include both of their details when you apply.

If you care for 2 people and spend 16 hours with each person, you only need to put in the details of one person. You do not get paid extra if you care for more than one person.

If both you and another carer apply for the same person

If both you and another young carer applies for the same person, the first to apply will be paid, as long as they're able to get the grant.

If you and someone else aged 16, 17 or 18 care for the same person, only one of you should apply for Young Carer Grant. You should agree which of you is going to apply before filling in the form.