Carers give so much to society, but too many of them don’t realise that they’re missing out on a credit which could boost their State Pension. For each year that they are caring for more than 20 hours a week, they might be able to increase their State Pension by £200 a year when they reach State Pension age. If they care for someone for 5 years, for example, they might increase their State Pension by £1000 a year.
It’s estimated that nearly 200,000 people are eligible for Carer’s Credit, but only 9,000 currently receive it. 70% of existing recipients of Carer’s Credit are women and many are aged over 50.
I don’t want to see any carers missing out on what they’re entitled to, so I’m urging everybody to spread the word to carers they may know. Whether you’re caring for a partner or a parent, another adult or a disabled child aged over 12 you should find out about applying for the credit and see if it helps increase your State Pension.
About Carer’s Credit
Carer’s Credit is a National Insurance (NI) credit that helps to fill gaps in a carer’s NI record.
Anyone who cares for someone for at least 20 hours a week may be able to receive a Carer’s Credit. This is different to Carer’s Allowance, which is a benefit available to those who care for 35 hours a week or more.
If carers are working part-time or not working at all, these credits could help to increase the amount of State Pension they’ll receive.
Fiona’s story
Fiona Newton is 55, and lives in Aylesbury, where she cares for her disabled son:
I used to receive Carer’s Allowance, but now that I’ve increased my part-time working hours, I get Carer’s Credit instead. The information came through with my paperwork from DWP when my Carer’s Allowance stopped.
The paperwork must have been easy to fill in: I would have remembered if it was a long or difficult form!
How to apply
It’s straightforward to apply, it’s free and there’s money to gain for the future.
However, before you start, you should first check if you are eligible for the credit at www.gov.uk/carers-credit.
Then, fill in an application form available on our website. You might need to get a health or social care professional to sign it.
For more information about Carer’s Credit and how to apply, visit www.gov.uk/carers-credit.