§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what(a) state basic pension and (b) state second pension entitlement credits are available for carers (i) below the age of 50, (ii) above the age of 50 and (iii) above the age of 60. [154557]
§ Malcolm WicksPeople in receipt of Carer's Allowance are credited with National Insurance contributions each week which protect their entitlement to basic State Pension and other contributory benefits. Carers for the sick and severely disabled who are unable to get Carer's Allowance may get Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP) which helps to protect entitlement to basic State Pension. Carers who are getting Child Benefit for a child under 16 may also be helped by HRP.
For State Second Pension purposes, qualifying carers who earn less than £11,200 in 2003–04 and including those with no earnings at all, are treated as if they had earned this amount and will accrue entitlement to State Second Pension.
No distinction is made by age although people over State Pension Age cannot benefit from credits or HRP.
Note:
Qualifying carers for State Second Pension purposes are those who receive Child Benefit for a child under six, or are below State Pension age and entitled to Carer's Allowance or Home Responsibilities Protection for caring for a severely ill or disabled person.