Carer’s credit is a national insurance credit that can help carers to fill gaps in their national insurance record. Carers who don’t qualify for Carer’s Allowance, may qualify for Carer’s Credit. This can help increase the amount of state pension a carer receives when they reach the state retirement age. The Carer’s Credit is available to qualifying applicants caring for one or more people for at least 20 hours per week. A carer’s income, savings or investments does not affect their eligibility for Carer’s Credit. The carer must also be aged 16 or over and under the State Pension age in order to qualify.
The person the carer is looking after must usually receive one of the following benefits:
- Disability Living Allowance care component at the middle or highest rate
- Attendance Allowance
- Constant Attendance Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment – daily living component, at the standard or enhanced rate
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
If the person being cared for isn’t receiving one of the qualifying benefit, the Department for Work and Pensions (DPW) will consider whether the level of care provided is appropriate to qualify for Carer’s Credit. The DPW will usually will consider the level of care as appropriate if there is a signed certificate confirming this from a health or social care professional. Carer’s will continue to receive Carer’s Credits for 12 weeks after caring ends or for breaks in caring of up to 12 weeks.
