Unpaid carers missing out on financial support

Millions of unpaid carers aren’t claiming financial support that they’re eligible to receive, new research suggests.

According to Quiliter, the number of applications for carer’s credit stood at 6,770 in 2024-25.

That’s more than 1,500% higher than it was in 2010-11.

But Quilter also points out there are around five million unpaid carers across England and Wales.

This, it says, suggests that despite the recent increase in applications, many people are still missing out on national insurance credits that could improve their retirement income.

What is carer’s credit?

Carer's credit helps protect your national insurance record if you're unable to work because of your caring responsibilities.

You may qualify if you:

• are aged 16 or over
• are below state pension age
• provide care for at least 20 hours a week

The person you care for will usually need to receive certain benefits.

If they don’t, you may still be eligible by completing the care certificate section of the application and having it signed by a health or social care professional.

You can apply for carer’s credit through the government website.

Putting life on hold can have long-term impact

Jon Greer, head of retirement policy at Quilter, said unpaid carers often have to put parts of their own life “on hold” to look after a loved one.

But while he stressed most carers will “accept those sacrifices without a second thought”, he said “the impact on their future finances can be easily overlooked”.

“Time spent out of the workforce can create gaps in a person's national insurance record,” Mr Greer commented.

“If left unchecked, those gaps could ultimately reduce the amount of state pension they receive in retirement. 

“Carer's credit exists to help ensure people are not financially disadvantaged simply because they have taken on caring responsibilities.”

Mr Greer went on to describe the increase in the number of carer’s credit claims in recent years as “encouraging”, and said it suggests awareness of this option is growing.

However, he stated that the number of people applying “remains relatively small”.

"Unpaid carers provide an enormous service to society and help fill gaps in an already stretched social care system,” Mr Greer added.

“Carer's credit is one small but important way of recognising that contribution and ensuring people do not suffer a lasting financial detriment as a result of caring for others."

What other help could I be eligible for?

We’ve rounded up the financial support that you could be able to claim here.

And if you’re not sure what you might be entitled to, use our benefits calculator or give us a call to check.

You might be eligible for more than you realise.