TL;DR
Carer's Credit is a National Insurance credit, not a cash payment. It fills gaps in your National Insurance record so that time spent caring does not reduce your State Pension. You can get it if you care for one or more people for at least 20 hours a week. You do not need to be getting Carer's Allowance, and you can claim it even if the person you care for does not receive a qualifying disability benefit, by getting a Care Certificate signed.
Last reviewed 30 June 2026
What Carer's Credit is
Carer's Credit is a National Insurance credit rather than money in your pocket. It is designed to make sure that time spent caring for someone does not leave gaps in your National Insurance record. Those gaps would otherwise reduce the State Pension you build up, so the credit protects your future entitlement during years when caring responsibilities limit your ability to work and pay contributions.
Why it matters for your State Pension
The amount of State Pension you receive depends on the number of qualifying years on your National Insurance record. If you stop or reduce paid work to care for someone, you risk missing qualifying years. Carer's Credit fills those years so your record stays intact, which can make a meaningful difference to your pension over a working life.
Who can get it
You can usually get Carer's Credit if you are aged 16 or over, under State Pension age, and caring for one or more people for at least 20 hours a week. The person you care for normally needs to receive a qualifying disability benefit, such as the daily living part of Personal Independence Payment, Attendance Allowance, or certain rates of Disability Living Allowance.
If the person does not get a qualifying benefit
If the person you care for does not receive one of the qualifying benefits, you may still be able to get Carer's Credit by having a Care Certificate completed. This is part of the application form, signed by a health or social care professional to confirm that the level of care you provide is appropriate. This route means caring can still protect your record even where no qualifying benefit is in payment.
How it works with Carer's Allowance
If you receive Carer's Allowance, you do not need to claim Carer's Credit separately, because Carer's Allowance already gives you National Insurance credits automatically. Carer's Credit is mainly useful for carers who do not qualify for Carer's Allowance, for example because they care for fewer hours than Carer's Allowance requires, or because their earnings are above the Carer's Allowance limit.
How to claim
You apply to the DWP using the Carer's Credit application form, which includes the Care Certificate where needed. There is no charge to apply. It is worth claiming for any year in which you meet the conditions, so that the qualifying year is recorded against your National Insurance history.
Related guides
Disclaimer: This article is general information and not financial or welfare advice. Carer's Credit rules are set by the DWP and can change. For help with your National Insurance record or a claim, contact the DWP or a free adviser such as Citizens Advice. See the GOV.UK source below.
Frequently asked questions
Is Carer's Credit a payment?
No. It is a National Insurance credit that protects your State Pension. It does not pay you money.
How many hours do I need to care to get it?
At least 20 hours a week, caring for one or more people.
Do I need Carer's Allowance to get Carer's Credit?
No. If you already get Carer's Allowance you receive National Insurance credits automatically, so Carer's Credit is mainly for those who do not qualify for Carer's Allowance.
What if the person I care for has no qualifying benefit?
You may still get Carer's Credit by having a Care Certificate completed and signed by a health or social care professional.
How do I claim Carer's Credit?
Apply to the DWP using the Carer's Credit application form, which includes the Care Certificate where needed. It is free to claim.
