Carer's Credit

A National Insurance credit if you care for someone at least 20 hours a week, to protect your State Pension record.

What you get

A Class 3 National Insurance credit, which can fill gaps in your National Insurance record for State Pension. It is not a cash payment. Official GOV.UK guidance says your income, savings or investments will not affect eligibility.

Who can get it

You can get it if you care for someone for at least 20 hours a week. This is a lower hours test than Carer’s Allowance (35 hours). You may still qualify if you cannot get Carer’s Allowance, for example because of earnings or study. The person you care for usually needs a qualifying disability benefit, or you may need to complete a care certificate if they do not — check the official eligibility page.

Related entitlements

• Carer's Allowance
• Carer Support Payment

Official sources we checked

• https://www.gov.uk/carers-credit
• https://www.gov.uk/carers-credit/eligibility

Last checked 10 November 2026. This page is information, not an eligibility decision or legal advice. Always confirm the current rules on the official source before you apply.