Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of taking into account Carers allowance in the calculation of state pensions.

The new State Pension was introduced in 2016 and improves State Pension outcomes for many people, including carers. When in receipt of Carer’s Allowance, a person also receives a National Insurance credit, which counts towards a person's State Pension entitlement.

Carers who do not get Carer's Allowance are able to apply for Carer's Credits if they are caring for one or more disabled people for at least 20 hours a week. Carer’s Credits also count towards a person’s State Pension entitlement.

Under the new State Pension, National Insurance Contributions and National Insurance Credits have equal value, providing access to the same level of entitlement for all.