Carers credit help

Amyloupj

I’m an unpaid carer for my special needs sister, I’ve always been employed but recently I’ve had my hours reduced at work, and a few weeks next month I’m not going to be earning enough to even get the lower earnings limit nis, this will only be temporary but could I be eligible to get carers credit to contribute to my national insurance? Hopefully this is only temporary but would like to know my options. I’m not eligible for universal credit and normal I earn enough to not be entitled to carers allowance. 

Brie

You could apply for carer's allowance.  That will give you NI credits as well as a pittance into your bank.  Check if your reduction in hours and pay makes this feasible.  It's a bit of a fuss if your wage and hours are going to yo-yo a bit but may be worth it.  Then again as I recall it only take about 4 months full time working in a year to pay sufficient NI to get credit for the entire year.

Blue_Butterfly

To qualify for Carers Credit you have to provide care for a minimum of 20hrs a week. If your sister receives one of the benefits listed on the application it should be straightforward to apply. Alternatively you can get a statement from a health professional to confirm that care is needed. You can leave your Carers Credit claim running if you continue to qualify on your sisters care needs and minimum hours, then your NI is covered if you have future work issues. You are allowed short breaks from caring for holidays etc. 

To get Carers Allowance you have to provide care for 35hrs a week. The earnings threshold for that is a cliff edge! Earn even 1p over and the entire amount of Carers Allowance is stopped or has to be paid back. I got a few weeks Carers Allowance when looking after my terminally ill husband. I did a small amount of work each week earning under the threshold. I got my CA claim stopped by DWP because after a few weeks delay in paying my wages, I got it all in one week and the backpay put me over the threshold.