Skip the primary navigation if you do not want to read it as the next section.
Skip the main content if you do not want to read it as the next section.
How can you help to maximise your pension?
Step 1: Make sure you receive all the relevant benefits (please see our financial help section or call CarersLine on 0808 808 7777 for a full benefits check).
Step 2: Can you claim Home Responsibility Protection (HRP) to help your pension? If you cannot claim Carer’s Allowance because it might affect the Severe Disability Premium of the person you care for, or if someone else is claiming Carer’s Allowance for looking after the same person (as only one person can qualify for Carer’s Allowance, even if both people are caring for more than 35 hours), you might be eligible for HRP. Find details on HRP and how to claim at: www.direct.gov.uk/en/pensions
Step 3: Ask for details of your NI record. Call the National Insurance Enquiry Line on 0845 915 5996 to check your NI record.
Step 4: Ask for a pensions forecast. Forms are available to download or complete online, or carers can write to the Future Pension Centre and ask for a forecast application form (BR19) and a return envelope at: Future Pension Centre, The Pension Service, Tyneview Park, Whitley Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE98 1BA
Step 5: Get some advice. Look into what else you could be doing for your State Pension, eg paying back NI contributions that you have missed to make up full years (although you are only permitted to pay back a maximum of 6 years’ contributions). However, it is important to get advice on whether it is worth paying additional NI contributions and the difference it would ultimately make to your State Pension. Carers also need to look at this in the context of the pension changes that are coming into force in April 2010. You can contact The Pensions Advisory Service on 0845 601 2923 for impartial advice.