If caring for someone means you cannot work enough hours to pay National Insurance, Carer’s Credit can fill the gap in your record so your State Pension and other contributory benefits are not affected. This guide explains how it differs from Carer’s Allowance and how to claim for 2026/27.
What Carer’s Credit Is
Carer’s Credit is a National Insurance credit, not a cash payment, that fills gaps in your NI record for weeks you spend caring for someone for at least a set minimum number of hours, so those weeks still count towards your State Pension and certain other contributory benefits.
It is aimed at carers who do not already qualify for Carer’s Allowance — for example because they care for more than one person for shorter periods each, or their earnings are slightly too high for Carer’s Allowance but they still provide substantial unpaid care.
Who Qualifies
You can generally claim Carer’s Credit if you are aged 16 or over and under State Pension age, and you care for one or more disabled people for a combined total of at least the qualifying number of hours a week, where the person or people being cared for receive a qualifying disability benefit, or a health or social care professional confirms the level of care needed.
You do not need to be related to or live with the person you care for, and you can combine caring for several people to reach the qualifying hours threshold, using a "certificate of care" if the person you care for does not receive a qualifying benefit.
Carer’s Credit vs Carer’s Allowance
Carer’s Allowance is a taxable cash benefit paid to carers who meet stricter conditions, including an earnings limit and a higher weekly caring-hours threshold for a single person, whereas Carer’s Credit pays nothing directly but protects your NI record if you fall short of Carer’s Allowance conditions.
You can apply for Carer’s Credit even if you have been refused Carer’s Allowance, and doing so is worthwhile for anyone providing substantial unpaid care whose paid work has reduced or stopped, to avoid a lasting gap in their State Pension entitlement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carer’s Credit a cash payment?
No. Carer’s Credit is a National Insurance credit that protects gaps in your contribution record; it does not pay you any money directly. If you need a cash income for caring, Carer’s Allowance is the benefit to look at instead, subject to its own separate conditions.
Can I get Carer’s Credit if I care for more than one person?
Yes. You can combine the hours you spend caring for different people to reach the qualifying threshold, using a certificate of care signed by a health or social care professional for anyone you care for who does not receive a qualifying disability benefit themselves.
Does Carer’s Credit affect my other benefits?
Because it is a National Insurance credit rather than income, it does not generally reduce other means-tested benefits in the way that cash income can. It works alongside benefits like Universal Credit rather than replacing or reducing them.
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What happens to my State Pension if I have gaps from caring?
Unfilled gaps in your National Insurance record can reduce your eventual new State Pension, since it is based on a set number of qualifying years. Carer’s Credit is designed specifically to prevent periods of unpaid caring from creating such a gap.
Can I claim Carer’s Credit and still work part time?
Yes, as long as your total caring hours across everyone you look after still meet the qualifying threshold each week, you can claim Carer’s Credit while working reduced or part-time hours, unlike Carer’s Allowance which has a strict earnings limit.
How far back can I claim Carer’s Credit?
Claims can usually be backdated, but there are limits, so it is best to apply as soon as you realise you may be eligible rather than waiting, to avoid losing protection for weeks you were already providing qualifying care.
How do I apply for Carer’s Credit?
You apply using the Carer’s Credit claim form available from gov.uk, which you can complete online or by post. If the person you care for does not receive a qualifying disability benefit, you will also need a care certificate signed by a health or social care professional confirming the level of care you provide.
Do I need to reapply for Carer’s Credit every year?
No single annual reapplication is required in the way some means-tested benefits work, but you should notify the Carer’s Credit unit if your caring circumstances change significantly, such as if you stop caring, care for someone new, or your hours drop below the qualifying threshold.
Can I get Carer’s Credit if I already receive Child Benefit for a young child?
Some carers may already have National Insurance protection through other credits, such as Child Benefit for a child under 12. Carer’s Credit is aimed at filling gaps that are not already covered, so it is worth checking your NI record before assuming you need a separate claim.
What counts as a qualifying disability benefit for the person I care for?
Qualifying benefits typically include Attendance Allowance, the daily living component of Personal Independence Payment or Adult Disability Payment, and equivalent Disability Living Allowance or Constant Attendance Allowance rates, among others. If the person you care for does not get one of these, a care certificate can be used instead.
Disclaimer: This guide reflects UK rules as they generally apply in 2026/27. This guide is for general information only and is not professional advice. Consult a qualified adviser and refer to gov.uk for current official guidance before relying on any treatment.
