Carer’s Credit

What Carer’s Credit is

Carer’s Credit is not a payment. It is a National Insurance credit that helps fill gaps in your NI record, so that caring does not reduce your future State Pension. It is for people who care but do not qualify for Carer’s Allowance.

Who can get it

• You are aged 16 or over and under State Pension age.
• You care for one or more people for at least 20 hours a week.
• The person you care for usually gets a qualifying disability benefit — though there is a way to qualify using a “Care Certificate” signed by a health or social care professional if they do not.

Why it matters

Your State Pension is based on your National Insurance record. Time spent caring can leave gaps. Carer’s Credit helps protect your record for those years, which can make a real difference to your pension later.

If you already get Carer’s Allowance

If you receive Carer’s Allowance, you usually get National Insurance credits automatically and do not need to claim Carer’s Credit separately.

Next steps

• See Carer’s Allowance if you care for 35+ hours.
• Official source: GOV.UK — Carer’s Credit.