Thousands of carers could be missing out on vital financial support. Carer’s credits are designed to enhance an individual’s state pension and prepare for retirement.
However, data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) suggests that out of the estimated 4.7 million unpaid carers in England and 310,000 in Wales, just over 9,000 people claimed the credit in the 2023/24 tax year.
That finding was revealed after a Freedom of Information (FOI) request by Quilter. Moreover, around six million people are claiming various benefits that make their carers eligible for credits. These include Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), and Disability Living Allowance.
Over the past five years, only 32,384 people have claimed the credit. The number of claimants may also have been affected by the pandemic, with claims dropping from 6,274 in 2019 to 5,338 in 2022.
Who qualifies for Carer’s Credits?
According to the government, to be eligible for the credits, you must first be aged 16 or over and under the state pension age while caring for one or more people for at least 20 hours a week.
Meanwhile, the person you care for must claim 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
The Adult Disability Payment daily living component at the standard or enhanced rate is one of the benefits that can qualify you for Carer’s Credits. However, even if the person you’re caring for doesn’t receive one of these benefits, you may still be eligible for carer’s credits.
The government suggests filling in the ‘Care Certificate’ section of the application form and having it signed off by a health or social care professional.
To claim for Carer’s Credits, download the Carer’s Credit claim form online. Alternatively, you can request the form by calling the Carer’s Allowance Unit on 0800 731 0297.
