Overview

• An estimated 65,000 low-income carers of state pension age are missing out on Pension Credit, worth up to £2,412.80 annually.
• Charities are calling for a £36.60 increase to the Carer Addition top-up, which could lift 20,000 carers out of deep poverty at a cost of £300 million yearly.
• Complex eligibility rules require unpaid carers to apply for Carer’s Allowance to prove ‘underlying entitlement,’ even if they don’t receive payments.
• A survey by Carers UK found that 75% of older carers were unaware that applying for Carer’s Allowance could increase Pension Credit eligibility.
• Charities emphasize the need for urgent reforms before winter to simplify claims, boost awareness, and support financially struggling carers.