Grandparents Set For £300 Yearly State Pension Boost – Here’s Who Qualifies

Thousands of grandparents and family carers across the UK could see their State Pension boosted by around £300 each year by claiming Specified Adult Childcare Credits.

This scheme helps fill gaps in National Insurance (NI) records and can add more than £6,000 over a typical 20-year retirement.

These credits are particularly valuable for those who provided childcare so that working parents did not need NI credits from Child Benefit.

The opportunity also extends to retrospective claims, including those made during the Covid-19 pandemic, when care may have been provided remotely.

Who Can Apply

You may be eligible if you:

• Provided care for a child under 12 (or up to 17 if disabled).
• Were over 16 and under State Pension age at the time.
• Were ordinarily resident in the UK (not Channel Islands or Isle of Man).
• The child’s parent (or main carer) claimed Child Benefit but did not need the credits.

Eligible Family Members

• Grandparents, great-grandparents, great-great-grandparents.
• Parents who don’t live with the child.
• Aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters (including half-siblings, step-siblings, adopted siblings).
• Current or previous spouses/partners of eligible family members.
• Children of current or previous spouses/partners of eligible family members.

Who Should Not Apply

• If you already have a qualifying NI year (through work or other credits).
• If you are receiving Child Benefit and already receive credits automatically.
• If you are the spouse or partner of the Child Benefit recipient and want credits — instead you must complete form CF411A.

Covid-19 Remote Care Eligibility

During the pandemic, many grandparents were unable to provide childcare in person. HMRC guidance states that remote care — by video call, phone, or text — counts towards eligibility for Specified Adult Childcare Credits in the 2019/20 and 2020/21 tax years. This ensures carers who stepped in virtually are not disadvantaged.

When and How to Apply

• Applications can be made for tax years 2011/12 through 2023/24.
• The earliest submission date is October 31 following the end of the relevant tax year.
• Both the grandparent and the Child Benefit recipient must sign the application.
• Required details include:
  • Your personal information.
  • The child’s details and care periods.
  • The Child Benefit recipient’s details and confirmation they do not need the credits.

Key Facts & Figures

Detail	Information
Boost per credit	About £303 a year added to State Pension
Lifetime value	Over £6,000 across a 20-year retirement
Type of credit	Class 3 NI credit
Introduced	April 6, 2011
Full State Pension	£230.25 per week / £11,973 per year
Years required	Around 35 years of NI contributions for full pension; minimum 10 years for any payment
Backdating available	Claims can be made back to April 6, 2011
Covid-19 claims	Remote care (phone, video, text) for tax years 2019/20 and 2020/21 is eligible
Deadline to apply	Applications possible after October 31 following the tax year
Form required	HMRC Form CA9176 (with parent’s countersignature)

Importance of Filling NI Gaps

To receive the full new State Pension, individuals generally need 35 qualifying years of contributions. At least 10 years are required to receive anything at all. Some who were “contracted out” in the past may need more than 35 years. These childcare credits help ensure carers don’t lose out on their future pension income.

For grandparents and family carers, Specified Adult Childcare Credits can make a significant difference. By transferring unused National Insurance credits, carers can plug gaps in their record and secure a boost of about £300 each year to their State Pension.

With the option to backdate claims to 2011 and include periods of remote care during Covid-19, it’s a valuable opportunity not to be missed.

A simple form and the parent’s agreement could be the key to thousands of pounds in retirement income.

FAQs