Jan 10

Do You Claim Carer’s Credit?

Matthew

If you look after a disabled person and are providing 20 hours of care or more a week, it’s possible that you might be eligible to claim carer’s credit. This is a scheme designed to help carers build up better state pension entitlements, so you could really benefit if you research it this year.

New research from Royal London, however, has just revealed that although each year of credits would add £237 annually to a carer’s state pension, the scheme itself has failed to reach 97 per cent of its target group.

“Governments cannot simply hope that people find the information on official websites or rely on the occasional ministerial press release. It is time for proactive communications with those who are meant to benefit so that far more people get the help to which they are entitled,” director of policy Steve Webb commented.

To qualify for these credits, the disabled person you’re caring for must be in receipt of one of the following benefits: attendance allowance, constant attendance allowance, disability living allowance care component at the middle or highest rate, personal independence payment or Armed Forces independence payment.

If the person in need of care doesn’t receive any of these, a health or social care professional will have to sign the credit application and confirm the details.

You yourself have to be over the age of 16 but under state pension age, and be looking after one or more people for a minimum of 20 hours a week. You can also still get carer’s credit if you take a break from caring (up to 12 consecutive weeks).

For advice and help with shower seating and other bathroom modifications, get in touch with us today.

X
Skip to toolbar