Carer’s Credit

Carer’s Credit is an important benefit for any carer, as it helps fill gaps in the National Insurance record which come about when caring responsibilities prevent full-time work.

It has been calculated that some 250,000 people could be getting a boost to their pension by claiming Carer’s Credit, but at the moment only some five percent of those who are eligible have signed up to receive the additional NI contributions.  Signing up for Carer’s Credit for a year means a carer could receive over £200 extra per year in State Pension when they retire.

Eligibility 

To be eligible for Carer’s Credit you must be aged 16 or over, under State Pension age and providing care for at least 20 hours a week.

If you receive Carer’s Allowance, you will automatically get Carer’s Credit. If you don’t qualify for Carer’s Allowance and you meet the criteria above, you should apply for Carer’s Credit.

How to apply

You can download a Carer’s Credit application form from the government website. The form includes the Care Certificate to be signed by a health or social care professional.

You need to print out the form, fill it in and then post it to:

Carer’s Allowance Unit
Mail Handling Site A
Wolverhampton
WV98 2AB

[Source: www.independentliving.co.uk/advice/carers-credit/]