Answers · UK 2025/26

What is Carer's Credit and how does it protect my National Insurance record?

Carer's Credit is a National Insurance credit for people who provide care for 20-35 hours per week -- enough to protect their NI record but below the 35-hour threshold for Carer's Allowance. It fills gaps in your NI record without any cash payment, helping you qualify for the full State Pension. You apply via HMRC.

Last updated: 10 June 2026Last reviewed: 10 June 2026How we verify

Full answer

Carer's Credit (CC) is a Class 3 National Insurance credit designed to protect the State Pension entitlement of people who provide significant but unpaid care and are not eligible for Carer's Allowance (CA). CA requires 35+ hours of care per week; Carer's Credit applies to those providing 20-35 hours of care per week for someone receiving a qualifying disability benefit such as the daily living component of PIP, Attendance Allowance (middle or higher rate), or Disability Living Allowance (middle or higher care rate). The credit costs you nothing -- it is not a cash payment. It simply adds a qualifying year to your National Insurance record for each tax year you receive it, counting toward the 35 qualifying years needed for the full new State Pension (£221.20 per week in 2024/25 -- revalued each April by the Triple Lock). Without Carer's Credit, gaps in your NI record (years with no employment, no self-employment, and no other credits) reduce your eventual State Pension. Each missing qualifying year reduces the State Pension by approximately £6.32 per week (1/35th of the full rate). Carer's Credit is therefore worth around £329 per year in additional State Pension for each gap year it fills -- compounded over a retirement of 20+ years, this is significant. To claim Carer's Credit: complete the CC1 form (available on GOV.UK) and ask the person you care for to complete a Care Certificate signed by their healthcare professional if they do not receive a qualifying benefit. There is no earnings test. You can also claim CC for periods in the past (up to three years backdating in some circumstances). Carer's Credit is separate from Child Benefit NI credits (which cover parents of children under 12) -- both can be relevant at different life stages.