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More help for carers
What is it
If you’ve been looking after anyone at any time during the last three years, you may be eligible for additional State Pension if you have:
- not worked
- worked part-time or
- have been on a low income
If you are entitled to Carer’s Allowance, Income Support as a carer or Child Benefit for a child under six, you don’t need to do anything different and will build up State Second Pension (an additional State Pension).
If not, you may need to start building up your State Second Pension by applying for Home Responsibilities Protection.
If you have been caring for a sick or disabled person full time without receiving Income Support as a carer or Carer’s Allowance, you will need to claim Home Responsibilities Protection to get State Second Pension.
If you looked after someone throughout the 2002/2003 tax year, the latest date you can apply for Home Responsibilities Protection is 5 April 2007.
What do I need to do?
Our free guide, State pensions for carers and parents, will tell you about:
- State Second Pension
- the entitlement conditions
- what you need to do
Read or print a copy of State pensions for carers and parents [PM9]
Or you can ring 0845 7 31 32 33 for a copy.
More information
Find out more about Home Responsibilities
Protection
Find out more about additional
State Pension (also called the State Second Pension and formerly SERPS)
Find out more about Carer’s
Allowance