Thousands of carers have warned they risk losing cash due to failed claims

Thousands of carers could lose out on extra financial support due to problems with carer credit claims. These credits help increase a person’s state pension and help prepare for retirement.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimate there are around 4.7 million unpaid carers in England and 310,000 in Wales. However, a Freedom of Information (FOI) request by Quilter found that just over 9,000 people claimed the credit in the 2023/24 tax year.

In addition, about six million people claim a number of benefits that make their caregivers eligible for credits. These include Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Disability Living Allowance.

In the last five years, only 32,384 people applied for the loan. Claimant numbers may have been skewed by the pandemic, which saw claims rise from 6,274 in 2019 to 5,338 in 2022.

Who is eligible for carer credits

According to the government, you must first be aged 16 or over and under state pension age while looking after one or more people for at least 20 hours a week to be considered eligible for the credits.

In the meantime, the person you care for must claim one of the following:

• The care component of the disability living allowance at the average or highest rate
• Attendance allowance
• Constant attendance allowance
• Paying for personal independence is part of everyday life
• Paying for Armed Forces Independence
• The care component of the Child Disability Payment (CDP) at the average or highest rate
• Disability payment for adults daily living component at the standard or enhanced rate

However, you may still be able to receive carer credits even if the person you are caring for does not receive one of these benefits. The Government advises applicants to complete the ‘Certificate of Care’ part of the application form and get a health or social care professional to sign it.

How to claim carer credits

To apply, you need to download the online carer loan application form here. You can also receive the form by calling the Caregiver Compensation Unit at 0800 731 0297