Another Milestone for Unpaid Carers in Karnataka: Carers Allowance Expanded
In a landmark development for unpaid family carers, the Government of Karnataka, India, has extended the state’s pioneering Carers Allowance to now include the family carers of people with autism, intellectual disabilities, and complex disabilities such as deaf-blindness. This significant update, introduced in March 2025, brings the total number of disability categories covered by the scheme to seven - marking another major step forward in the recognition and support of unpaid family carers in India.
History of the Carers Allowance
This expansion builds on the historic introduction of a Carers Allowance of INR 1,000/month in the Government of Karnataka's state budget for the financial year 2024-2025. Karnataka became the first state in India to introduce a dedicated allowance for those caring for people with severe disabilities.
The initiative, developed in close partnership with Carers Worldwide and our local charity partners in Karnataka, Margadarshi, SAMUHA, BIRDS, SSA, and Narendra Foundation, was a bold and compassionate response to the often-overlooked needs of unpaid family carers, the majority of whom are women, juggling immense responsibilities without adequate support.
By raising awareness, building evidence, making a strong case for support to include family carers, and collaborating with our local charity partners, Carers Worldwide has helped shine a spotlight on the challenges faced by unpaid carers and work towards introducing new policies and programmes that support their needs.
Strengthening the Impact
The March 2025 extension further strengthens the impact of this groundbreaking policy. By including more complex and often misunderstood conditions such as autism and deaf-blindness, the government has sent a powerful message of inclusion and empathy.
“This Carers Allowance is more than just financial support - it is a message to carers that they are seen, valued, and no longer alone,” said Nataraj S, Joint Director of the Directorate of Empowerment of Differently Abled and Senior Citizens, Government of Karnataka. “For too long, their contribution has been invisible. Now, through this pioneering step, Karnataka has shown what it means to care for the carers. I thank everyone who made this possible.”
What it Means to Unpaid Carers
So far throughout the state, around 9,300 unpaid family carers have applied for Carers Allowance and more than 7,500 have been granted the allowance of INR 1,000 / month.
For the financial year 2025-26 it is estimated that 15,000 - 20,000 unpaid family carers will be accessing the Carers Allowance. Although exact figures are not available, it is estimated that around 150,000 people are eligible for Carers Allowance across the seven categories of disability now included.
We are collaborating with stakeholders across the state of Karnataka to raise awareness of the allowance and ensure that eligible unpaid carers benefit from it. With our support, our charity partners and other local NGOs are conducting awareness campaigns and training Rehabilitation Workers to spread the word, and District Disability Welfare Officers are raising awareness through local media.
The real-life impact of this policy is evident in the voices of the family carers receiving the allowance:
“If I did not receive the allowance, I would not be able to afford my son’s medicine, so he would suffer. Now that I can buy medicine for my son every month, I am mentally relaxed, so I congratulate the Karnataka government.”
For others, the allowance has opened doors to new opportunities.
“I have been able to use the money from my Carers Allowance to support my fabric business, helping to meet my family’s needs and give me some independence.”
You Can Help
At Carers Worldwide, we are proud to have played a part in this change and remain committed to working with state governments, civil society, and unpaid family carers to replicate and expand this policy in other regions. The journey towards justice and dignity for unpaid carers is far from over, but with each step like this, we move closer to a world where every family carer is recognised, valued and supported.
If you want to help, then please do consider giving a gift. Visit our donate page to see what your gift could do for unpaid carers in low- and middle-income countries. Thank you for being on this journey with us.
