Can I apply for a loan if I am a carer?
Caring for someone can bring extra costs and make it harder to keep household spending predictable. A personal loan may be an option when you need to spread a planned cost, but only if the repayments fit comfortably into your budget.
118 118 Money does not offer a separate guaranteed loan for carers. Instead, we assess each application individually. Your income, outgoings, credit history and the affordability of the repayments all matter.
Our eligibility check gives you an indication of whether you are likely to be accepted before you make a full application, without affecting your credit score.
What we look at when you apply
Affordability is about whether the monthly repayments are manageable alongside your regular bills and commitments. It is important to give accurate details about your income and outgoings so we can make a fair assessment.
If your income includes Carer's Allowance, other benefits, work income or a combination of these, the overall picture is considered. Being a carer does not guarantee acceptance, and a loan is not right if it would make it harder to cover essentials.
Check your options before borrowing
Credit costs money, so it is worth checking whether there is another way to cover the cost first. You may be able to use savings, agree a payment plan, or find support through your local authority or a carers' organisation.
For more general support, visit our money guidance or read our loans for people on benefits guide.
