Family members who have stepped up to care for children, it turns out you could be in line for a hefty boost to your state pension – potentially adding up to an extra £3,600 every year! This isn’t just for parents; grandparents, aunts, uncles, and even siblings can benefit from this little-known pension perk. Pensions expert Sir Steve Webb recently outlined the process.
A Long-Standing Benefit Now Includes Extended Family
For over four decades, the state pension system in the UK has offered a way to protect the National Insurance (NI) records of parents who take time off work to care for their children. However, since 2011, this protection has been extended to include other family members like grandparents, aunts, uncles, and siblings who help look after these children.
Claiming Credits for Past Care
Here’s some great news: if you’ve been a caregiver in the past, it’s not too late to claim your dues. You can file a claim for this benefit retroactively, right back to when the system was introduced.
How It Works: The National Insurance Credit
When a parent claims child benefit, they receive a “National Insurance Credit” which counts towards their state pension. Since 2010, this credit has been automatically given for each full financial year a child benefit is claimed for a child under 12.
The “Spare” NI Credit: A Golden Opportunity
If the parent claiming the child benefit, often the mother, is also working and paying NI contributions, she’s already building her state pension. This means the NI credit that comes with the child benefit is not being used – it’s going spare. This unused credit can be transferred to another family member who is under state pension age and has been helping with child care.
Who’s Eligible?
- Parents not living with the child
- Grandparents and great-grandparents
- Siblings, including half and step-siblings
- Aunts and uncles
- Current or former spouses or partners of the above, or their children
The Claiming Process: Simple and Straightforward
- Gather Information: You’ll need the full name, date of birth, address, and NI number of the parent or main carer of the child.
- Fill in the Application: The caregiver completes an application form, confirming their role in looking after the child.
- Parental Approval: The parent signs the form to agree to transfer their spare NI credit.
- Send to HMRC: Print and post the signed form to HMRC.
No exhaustive documentation is required – just confirmation from both parties involved.
The Covid Lockdown Exception
Interestingly, during the Covid lockdowns, the government allowed claims for remote caring activities, like entertaining a child over a video call.
The Potential Financial Upside
The value of these credits can be substantial. Let’s say a grandparent retires early to care for grandchildren and is short of the full state pension. By claiming this credit for one year, they add an extra year towards their pension – about 1/35 of the full pension rate, which currently translates to over £300 annually.
In extreme cases, with claims stretching from the 2011-12 tax year to 2022-23, this could mean 12 extra years of credits, boosting the pension by approximately £3,600 per year.
The “High Income” Trap and Solution
Families not claiming child benefit due to a high income can still secure the NI credits for a family caregiver. The mother can claim just the credits, without the cash benefit, making them available for transfer.
Claiming Process and Timeframe
These credits are officially known as “specified adult childcare credits.” HMRC accepts applications from October 31 after the financial year ends. The processing time can be lengthy, but the boost to your pension is well worth the wait.
In Summary
This system presents a fantastic opportunity for family members who have dedicated time to childcare to significantly enhance their state pension. It’s an acknowledgment and reward for the valuable role they play in family life, and it’s crucial that eligible individuals take advantage of this opportunity.