Are you a grandparent who regularly looks after your grandchildren? If so, you could be missing out on a significant boost to your state pension.
Many grandparents are unaware that they could be eligible for a pension boost simply by providing childcare for their grandchildren. This benefit, known as the “grandparent credit”, could add up to £6,000 to your retirement income.
How Does It Work?
The “grandparent credit” is officially called Specified Adult Childcare credits. They are available to grandparents who are looking after children under 12 years old while their parents are working and paying National Insurance contributions. This doesn’t have to be full-time care; it could include things like dropping the children off at school or providing childcare during school holidays.
Missing Out on Thousands
According to data from the government, only around 123,000 people have claimed this credit in the last eight years. This means that many grandparents who are eligible are missing out on valuable pension contributions.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for the “grandparent credit”, you must:
- Be under the state pension age (currently 66 years old)
- Be looking after a child under 12 years old
- The child’s parent must be receiving child benefit and paying National Insurance.
How Much Could You Get?
The “grandparent credit” helps you build up your National Insurance record, which is essential for claiming the full state pension. The full state pension is currently worth £221.20 per week.
How to Claim
You can claim Specified Adult Childcare credits backdated to April 6, 2011. You can’t apply for the 2023/24 tax year until after October 31st.
Don’t Miss Out
It’s definitely worth checking if you’re eligible. You could be missing out on a significant financial boost to your retirement.
You can find out more at gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-specified-adult-childcare-credits