Learn about Carer’s Credits
Caring responsibilities often mean carers work less. So Carer’s Credits protect vital state benefits. Carer’s Credit isn’t a payment. The clue is in the name – it’s a credit to ensure your State Pension isn’t affected. Carer’s Credits pay a Class Three National Insurance weekly top-up. Carer’s Credits also protect your bereavement benefits.
Table Of Contents
What are Carer’s Credits?
Carer’s Credits are a National Insurance (NI) top-up. They make sure you have enough NI contributions to qualify for the State Pension and other benefits. You claim Carer’s Credits from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
You can get Carer’s Credits in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. If you’re a carer you may already get National Insurance credits. You get them automatically if you’re claiming Carer’s Allowance, Income Support or Universal Credit.
Who is eligible for Carer’s Credits?
To be eligible for Carer’s Credits, you must be aged 16 or older and below the State Pension age. You also need to provide at least 20 hours of care per week. The person you care for must be receiving one of the following benefits:
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP) with the daily living part
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA) with the middle or highest rate care component
- Attendance Allowance
- Constant Attendance Allowance
- Armed Forces Independence Allowance
- Child Disability Payment (CDP) with the middle or highest rate care component
- Adult Disability Payment with the daily living component at the standard or enhanced rate
You can get Carer’s Allowance if the person needs daily care and attention due to disability.
Benefits of Carer’s Credits
The biggest benefit of Carer’s Credits is State Pension protection. If you’re caring for someone you may have work gaps. Carer’s Credits fill the gaps in your National Insurance (NI) record. This helps you get the full State Pension when you retire. Carer’s Credits recognise the work you do for others.
Impact on State Pension
Caring can have a big impact on your State Pension. Rising inflation has made old age tough for many. To receive the full State Pension it’s important to plug any holes in your National Insurance record. Your State Pension depends on how many years you have paid NI.
How to apply for Carer’s Credits
To apply for Carer’s Credits download the Carer’s Credit claim form. If you use Braille or Sign Language you can call 0800 731 029 and discuss what you need. The DWP advises to read the claim form notes carefully.
The specific form is a CC1. You can find out more about eligibility on page four of this form. Try to use black ink and CAPITAL LETTERS when filling it out.
Necessary documents
The necessary documents to claim for Carer’s Credits vary. The main document is the Carer’s Credit application form called CC1. If the person you care for has no qualifying benefits you’ll need a Care Certificate. Get someone from social care or the health service to fill this in.
Application process
Applying for Carer’s Credits is easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you.
How do I apply for Carer’s Credit? |
Next steps |
|---|---|
Download the Carer’s Credits application form CC1 |
Give as much information as you can – who do you care for and for how long? |
Does the person cared for get qualifying benefits? |
If not, fill in the Care Certificate ‘bit’ of the CC1 form. Have it signed by a health or social worker |
Keep an eye on any time limits |
You usually need to submit an application before the tax year ends after the one you're claiming for. Don't worry if you're late if you have a good reason for delay |
Anything else I need to know? |
If you get Carer's Allowance, you don't need to apply for Carer’s Credit. You should get this automatically |
Need more help? |
You can call the Carer’s Credit helpline on 0845 608 4321 for free |
Send it off |
Post the signed form and/or Care Certificate to the appropriate address for your region – England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland |
How to challenge a decision
- If it feels wrong you can challenge a Carer’s Credit decision
- Check the deadline to appeal – this is usually 30 days
- To request a ‘mandatory’ reconsideration, put it in writing
- Ask for a ‘statement of reasons’
- Receiving a 'statement of reasons' takes longer – the deadline extends to one month and 14 days from the original letter
- If the statement is dated more than a month later, your deadline is 14 days after the statement date
- You can also call the Carer's Allowance Unit on 0800 731 0297 – or complete the CRMR1 form online and post it
Common misconceptions about Carer’s Credits
There are some common misconceptions about Carer’s Credits.
Myth |
Reality |
|---|---|
Carer’s Credits are only for full-time carers |
You can claim for 20 hours a week, if you’re eligible |
You have to claim Carer’s Allowance to get Carer’s Credit |
As long as you care for someone 20 hours or more a week, you may be eligible |
Carer’s Credits safeguard all state benefits |
Carer’s Credits support your National Insurance record only – nothing else |
FAQs about Carer’s Credits
Do I get Carer’s Credits automatically if I receive Carer's Allowance?
If you're already receiving Carer's Allowance, there's no need to apply for Carer’s Credits. You'll get Class One National Insurance credits on top.
Do I get Carer’s Credits when I’m on holiday?
Yes and some breaks last up to 12 weeks in a row. Even if you're on a care break and not getting Carer's Allowance, you're still eligible for Carer’s Credits – so your NI credits are always covered.
What's the difference between Carer’s Credits and Carer's Allowance?
Carer’s Credits help protect your National Insurance record so your State Pension isn’t cut. Carer's Allowance is a weekly cash benefit for any carer on a low income. You can get Carer’s Credits without receiving Carer's Allowance.
Can I receive Carer’s Credits if I'm also working part-time?
You get Carer’s Credits if you’re working part-time as long as you’re:
- Giving 20 hours of care or more a week.
- 16 or older
- Under State Pension age
How do Carer’s Credits affect other benefits?
Carer’s Credits don’t generally impact other benefits. They underpin your State Pension. Carer’s Credits are not paid in cash so don’t count as income for Universal Credit (UC) so that benefit shouldn’t be affected.
What happens to my Carer’s Credits if the person I care for no longer needs care?
When care is no longer needed, you get Carer’s Credits for up to 12 weeks. These paid credits will go towards your State Pension. It’s important that you report any changes in your situation to the Carer's Allowance Unit.
Can I backdate Carer’s Credits?
Yes, Carer’s Credits can be backdated to the start of the previous year. Carer’s Credits can be claimed retrospectively – even if the person you were caring for has died.
- The earliest you can backdate them to is the start of the previous tax year
- You don’t have to provide a reason for claiming late but you must prove eligibility
Summary: The importance of Carer’s Credits for carers
Carer’s Credits safeguard a carer's right to a full State Pension and even some bereavement benefits by filling gaps in their National Insurance record.
Crucially, these credits ensure carers don't impact qualifying years for their State Pension, even if much of their time is spent caring for others.
In other words, they safeguard a carer’s future financial security.