State pension support London

Unlocking Financial Support: A Guide to Carer's Credit

Are you tirelessly caring for someone for at least 20 hours a week? If so, you might be eligible for Carer’s Credit, a National Insurance credit designed to bridge gaps in your National Insurance record. This credit not only supports your caregiving responsibilities but also plays a crucial role in enhancing your State Pension.

What is carer's credit?

Carer’s Credit is a valuable resource for those dedicating a substantial amount of time to care. It’s a National Insurance credit that aids in filling gaps in your National Insurance record, ensuring your State Pension is based on a comprehensive record.

Notably, eligibility is not impacted by your income, savings, or investments, making it a versatile financial support option.

If you qualify for Carer’s Credit, you receive credits that contribute to filling gaps in your National Insurance record. This means you can fulfill caregiving duties without compromising your eligibility for the State Pension.

Eligibility Criteria for carer's credit

To be eligible for Carer’s Credit, you must:

  • Be aged 16 or over
  • Be under State Pension age
  • Care for one or more people for at least 20 hours a week

The person you’re caring for must receive one of the following benefits:

  • 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
  • Adult Disability Payment daily living component at the standard or enhanced rate

Even if the person you care for doesn’t receive these benefits, you may still be eligible. In such cases, a signed ‘Care Certificate’ from a health or social care professional can demonstrate the appropriateness of your caregiving level.

Carers not qualifying for Carer’s Allowance may still be eligible for Carer’s Credit.

Breaks in Caring and Eligibility

Carer’s Credit remains accessible even during breaks in caregiving, allowing for interruptions of up to 12 weeks. Whether it’s a short holiday, hospitalization of the cared-for person, or your own hospital stay, you’ll still receive Carer’s Credit during these periods.

If your break in caring extends beyond 12 weeks, it’s essential to inform the Carer’s Allowance Unit promptly.

You do not need to apply for Carer’s Credit if you:

  • Get Carer’s Allowance – credits are automatic
  • Receive Child Benefit for a child under 12 – credits are automatic
  • Are a foster carer – apply for National Insurance credits instead

Don’t Miss Out on Pension Protection You’re Entitled To

Carer’s Credit can help protect your National Insurance record if you are caring for someone and not paying sufficient contributions, but eligibility criteria and application requirements must be followed carefully. Missing out can reduce your future State Pension entitlement unnecessarily. Speaking with a tax accountant in London can help you understand how Carer’s Credit interacts with your wider tax and contribution position. Cigma Accounting, based in Farringdon and supporting individuals in London Bridge Fringe and Clerkenwell, provides clear guidance on protecting your long-term entitlements.

Where caring responsibilities affect employment, benefits, or self-assessment obligations, your overall financial position should be reviewed holistically. Accessing professional accounting services London ensures your National Insurance record, tax filings, and benefit claims remain aligned. Cigma Accounting offers practical, compliance-focused advice with physical offices across London, helping you safeguard future pension rights while maintaining full HMRC compliance.

CARING FOR SOMEONE AND UNSURE IF YOU QUALIFY FOR CARER’S CREDIT?

Carer’s Credit can help protect your State Pension record if you’re providing unpaid care, but eligibility depends on specific conditions. Reviewing your circumstances can help ensure you don’t miss out on valuable National Insurance credits.

Check Your Eligibility for Carer’s Credit

Trusted guidance from London-based accountants, focused on accuracy, clarity, and compliance. 

Wimbledon Accountant

165-167 The Broadway

Wimbledon

London

SW19 1NE

Farringdon Accountant

127 Farringdon Road

Farringdon

London

EC1R 3DA


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CIGMA Accounting
CIGMA Accounting Ltd is a forward-thinking accounting and tax firm based in London, dedicated to delivering high-quality compliance, tax planning, and business advisory services to entrepreneurs, landlords, and growing SMEs. With offices in Wimbledon and Farringdon, we combine local expertise with a tech-driven approach to simplify accounting. Our services include corporation tax filing, VAT compliance, HMRC investigation support, R&D tax credit claims, capital allowances optimisation, and bookkeeping automation. What sets CIGMA apart is our ability to blend traditional accounting rigour with AI-powered systems that reduce errors, save time, and provide real-time financial insights. Our team ensures that every client - from startups to high-net-worth individuals - receives a bespoke solution aligned with their growth goals. Whether you need strategic tax planning, help with HMRC disclosures, or a full outsourced finance function, CIGMA Accounting delivers clarity, compliance, and confidence.
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