What is Carer’s Credit?
If you’re unable to work because of caring responsibilities, and therefore can’t make National Insurance payments, Carer’s Credit helps build your entitlement to the state pension by making sure there are no gaps in your National Insurance record.
Who can get Carer’s Credit?
Carer’s Credit is not means-tested, so your income and savings are not taken into account.
To be eligible for Carer’s Credit you must be:
- aged 16 or over
- below the state pension age
- looking after one or more people for at least 20 hours a week.
The person, or people, you’re looking after must get one of the following:
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA) care component, at the middle or highest rate
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP) daily living component, at the standard or enhanced rate
- Attendance Allowance
- Constant Attendance Allowance (CAA).
What do I need to know about Carer’s Credit?
You can still get Carer’s Credit if you have breaks from caring (up to 12 weeks in a row); for example, if you take a short holiday or someone you look after goes into hospital.
Research by Royal London in 2018 showed that many people miss out on Carer’s Credit because they aren’t aware the benefit is available. It estimated that the credits add £237 a year to a carer’s state pension, so it’s definitely worth looking into if you think you might be eligible.
How do I claim Carer’s Credit?
If you already get Carer’s Allowance, there’s no need to make a separate application for Carer’s Credit – if you’re entitled to credits you should get them automatically. If not, you can apply for Carer’s Credit by phone or online.
Download the form from the Gov.uk website and print a paper copy to post. You can contact the Carer’s Credit helpline on 0845 608 4321 for help with any queries.
