Carers ‘losing £4.7k pension’
TENS of thousands who are carers for disabled people may be losing £237 state pension a year, or £4,700 over the average 20-year retirement.
A scheme designed to help those working 20 to 35 hours a week – meaning they lose National Insurance credits – was not reaching its target, said a study by insurer Royal London.
When the scheme was introduced in 2010 it was estimated 160,000 would benefit.
Royal London said 3,524 people claimed in 2017 but the Department for Work and Pensions said 13,700 received it in October.
Claims must be signed by a health or care professional such as a GP.
Sir Steve Webb of Royal London, an ex-Pensions Minister, said “proactive communication” was needed so “people get help they are entitled to”.
Charity Carers UK said their contribution to the economy was “worth billions a year”.