Carer's Credit Applications Surge 1,500 Percent Over 15 Years

Applications for Carer's Credit, a National Insurance benefit for unpaid carers, have increased by nearly 1,500 percent over the last 15 years. Data from the Department for Work and Pensions, obtained via a Freedom of Information request by Quilter plc, shows that claims rose from 420 in 2010/11 to 6,770 in 2024/25, peaking at 7,110 in 2023/24.

The credit allows individuals who provide care for at least 20 hours a week to maintain their State Pension record. A single qualifying year can potentially add over £7,000 to retirement income over a 20-year period. Despite the growth in applications, experts from Quilter and Carers Trust warn that take-up remains low relative to the estimated five million unpaid carers in England and Wales.

Department for Work and Pensions data indicates that late applications are the primary reason for denied mandatory reconsideration requests. Jon Greer of Quilter noted that gaps in National Insurance records can reduce the amount of State Pension received in retirement, while Ramzi Suleiman of Carers Trust urged eligible carers to check their status to protect their future finances.