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Carer's Credit and protecting your State Pension

Carer's Credit is a National Insurance credit for carers who do not qualify for Carer's Allowance, helping protect your State Pension record.

Last reviewed
1 June 2026
Next review due
1 December 2026

How this differs across the UK

  • Carer's Credit applies across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
  • In Scotland, Carer Support Payment claimants normally receive National Insurance credits automatically, so a separate Carer's Credit claim is usually unnecessary if you already get Carer Support Payment.

Gaps in your National Insurance record from years spent caring can reduce your State Pension later in life. Carer's Credit exists to fill that gap for carers who provide substantial care but do not meet the earnings or hours rules for Carer's Allowance.

You do not receive any money from Carer's Credit itself; it protects your National Insurance record so those years still count towards your State Pension.

Who it is for

  • Carers looking after someone for at least 20 hours a week who receives a qualifying disability benefit.
  • People who already get Carer's Allowance or Carer Support Payment usually get National Insurance credits automatically and do not need to apply separately.
  • Carers who share care of the same person can each potentially claim, subject to the rules.

How to apply and backdate a claim

Carer's Credit can sometimes be backdated, so it is worth applying even if you think you should have claimed some time ago.

  • Apply using the Carer's Credit claim form available from GOV.UK, with a care certificate signed by a health or social care professional if the cared-for person does not receive a qualifying benefit.
  • Keep a copy of your application and any confirmation letter for your records.

Checklist

  • Check whether you already receive National Insurance credits automatically through Carer's Allowance or Carer Support Payment.
  • If not, check your eligibility for Carer's Credit on GOV.UK.
  • Apply promptly, and ask about backdating if you have missed earlier years.
  • Request a State Pension forecast to see the effect of any gaps in your record.
  • Review your entitlement again if your caring hours or the cared-for person's benefits change.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming Carer's Credit pays money directly, when it only protects your National Insurance record.
  • Not applying because you assume you are already covered, without checking.
  • Missing out on backdating because a claim was never made.
  • Not requesting a State Pension forecast to understand the long-term effect of caring years.

Organisations that can help