Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what action is the Government taking to stop unpaid carers losing out in retirement.

The Government is committed to ensuring unpaid carers do not lose out in retirement because of their caring responsibilities. Carers can protect their State Pension entitlement through National Insurance credits, either automatically through Carer’s Allowance or through Carer’s Credit for eligible carers. In addition, carers may be able to access Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Support and other means-tested assistance, depending on their circumstances.

Carers over State Pension age who cannot receive Carer’s Allowance due to overlapping benefit rules may still have an underlying entitlement, which can increase entitlement to Pension Credit through the carer addition. These measures help carers build and protect their State Pension record while providing valuable care to others.