If you’re eligible for Carer’s Credit , you can get credits to help fill gaps in your National Insurance record. This means you can take on caring responsibilities without affecting your ability to qualify for the State Pension.

To get Carer’s Credit you must be: aged 16 or over under State Pension age looking after one or more people for at least 20 hours a week The person you’re looking after must get one of the following: Disability Living Allowance care component at the middle or highest rate Attendance Allowance Constant Attendance Allowance Personal Independence Payment daily living part Armed Forces Independence Payment Child Disability Payment (CDP) care component at the middle or highest rate Adult Disability Payment daily living component at the standard or enhanced rate Pension Age Disability Payment If the person you’re caring for does not get one of these benefits, you may still be able to get Carer’s Credit. When you apply, fill in the ‘Care Certificate’ part of the application form and get a health or social care professional to sign it. Carers who do not qualify for Carer’s Allowance or Carer Support Payment may qualify for Carer’s Credit. Breaks in caring and eligibility You can still get Carer’s Credit even if you have breaks from caring (up to 12 weeks in a row). For example, you’ll still get Carer’s Credit for 12 weeks if: you take a short holiday someone you look after goes into hospital you go into hospital Keep the Carer’s Allowance Unit updated if you have a break in caring of more than 12 weeks in a row. Carer’s Allowance Unit Telephone: 0800 731 0297 Textphone: 0800 731 0317 Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 731 0297 British Sign Language (BSL) video relay service if you’re on a computer - find out how to use the service on mobile or tablet Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm Find out about call charges

Before you start You do not need to apply for Carer’s Credit if you: get Carer’s Allowance or Carer Support Payment - you’ll automatically get credits get Child Benefit for a child under the age of 12 - you’ll automatically get credits are a foster carer - you can apply for National Insurance credits instead Apply using a form Download the Carer’s Credit claim form . The form includes a Care Certificate - ask a health or social care professional to sign it for you. You can also get the form by calling the Carer’s Allowance Unit. Carer’s Allowance Unit Telephone: 0800 731 0297 Textphone: 0800 731 0317 Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 731 0297 British Sign Language (BSL) video relay service if you’re on a computer - find out how to use the service on mobile or tablet Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm Find out about call charges Alternative formats Call the Carer’s Allowance Unit to ask for alternative formats, such as braille, large print or audio CD. Where to send your form Freepost DWP Carers Allowance Unit Do not write anything except the freepost address on the envelope. You do not need a postcode or a stamp. If you disagree with a decision You can challenge a decision about your claim. This is called asking for mandatory reconsideration.

Carer's Credit

Overview

You could get Carer’s Credit if you’re caring for someone for at least 20 hours a week.

Carer’s Credit is a National Insurance credit that helps with gaps in your National Insurance record. Your State Pension is based on your National Insurance record.

Your income, savings or investments will not affect eligibility for Carer’s Credit.

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

View a printable version of the whole guide

Carer's Credit

Overview

Is this page useful?

Help us improve GOV.UK

Help us improve GOV.UK

Cookies on GOV.UK

Carer's Credit

Overview

Related content

Is this page useful?

Help us improve GOV.UK

Help us improve GOV.UK