Nearly 200,000 people with caring responsibilities could be receiving significant boosts to their pensions, the Department for Work and Pensions announced today (Monday).
Minister for Pensions, Baroness Altmann, is calling on all carers to check they are getting what they are entitled to by claiming Carer’s Credit, as just five percent of those eligible are estimated to be receiving the additional National Insurance contributions.
Baroness Altmann, said:
“It is important to recognise how much carers give to society, and I would like to see them receive what they’re entitled to.
“If carers are not working full time, these credits can fill gaps in their National Insurance record – helping to bolster the amount of State Pension they will receive.”
Signing up for Carer’s Credit for a year means a carer could receive over £200 extra per year in State Pension when they retire.
Currently only 11,000 people have signed up for the credit, which contributes to their National Insurance record, yet around 200,000 are thought to be eligible. It is designed for those who are caring for others for 20 hours or more per week and do not qualify for Carer’s Allowance.
The credit helps carers to continue to build the amount of State Pension they will receive – so they can protect their future State Pension, while carrying out their caring responsibilities.
Signing up for this credit can particularly help older women. Women make up 130,000 – or 65 percent – of those who could be eligible, and two-thirds of those with caring responsibilities who could apply are estimated to be over age 50.
Baroness Altmann added:
“It is straightforward to apply and doesn’t cost anything. There is nothing to lose by signing up – and money to gain for the future. I’d like people to spread the word about this because I don’t want to see anyone missing out.”
Steff joined the HRreview editorial team in November 2014. A former event coordinator and manager, Steff has spent several years working in online journalism. She is a graduate of Middlessex University with a BA in Television Production and will complete a Master's degree in Journalism from the University of Westminster in the summer of 2015.