Millions of people in the UK provide care, either unpaid or on a low income. ‘Caring’ is a broad definition which includes helping someone (be they family member, spouse, child, or even someone unrelated) with everyday tasks such as washing, cooking and shopping.

Caring for 20-35 hours a week? Apply for carer’s credit.

If you’re of working age and providing 20 to 35 hours of weekly unpaid care for one or more people, and they need daily living help and receive certain benefits, you could get Carer’s Credit. While this doesn’t entitle you to any financial help now, it can boost your state pension by £1,000s in the future. 

Carer’s Credit is a National Insurance (NI) ‘credit’ for people who provide care for at least 20 hours a week and aren’t yet at State Pension age. It’s designed to protect your NI record from gaps, as many carers might need to give up paid work to provide care for someone.

Useful links:

Gov.UK – Carer’s Credit

Martin Lewis Money Saving Expert – Carer’s Credit & Carers Allowance: What support can I get?