Pensioners Urged To Claim Extra £328 By Filing With HMRC — Don’t Miss Out!

Retirees and pension claimants may be missing out on up to £328 extra per year simply by claiming Specified Adult Childcare Credits with HMRC.

This little-known benefit provides Class 3 National Insurance (NI) credits for those looking after a child under 12, ensuring state pension records stay complete. It’s time to take action — and it’s easier than you think.

Who Can Claim the Extra £328?

Grandparents, aunts, uncles, older siblings, or other family members providing care to a child under 12.
The child’s parent or main carer must be receiving Child Benefit and not require the NI credits themselves.
Care can be part-time or occasional—even one day per week qualifies.
Must be under state pension age (currently 66) and ordinarily resident in the UK.
Can backdate claims to April 2011, capturing years of unpaid credits.

How the Credits Boost Your Pension

These NI credits fill gaps in your record, helping you reach:

Minimum 10 qualifying years for any State Pension.
Up to 35 years for the full new State Pension.

Each transferred year adds approximately £328 per year, meaning:

Max boost: Around £328/year.
Over a standard 20-year retirement, that’s £6,560 extra income.

When and How to Apply

Step	Details
Claim Start Date	After October 31 each year, once HMRC’s NI records for parents are updated.
Backdating	Apply for past years back to April 6, 2011.
Form Required	Submit form CA9176, signed by both caregiver and Child Benefit recipient.
Processing Time	HMRC processes and backdates credited pension amounts accordingly.

If you’re already receiving your pension, your additional income will be backdated to State Pension age, boosting payments even when already retired.

Important Details to Know

Only one credit per Child Benefit claim, regardless of number of children.
Two separate Child Benefit claims (e.g., for cousins) may allow two credits.
Not eligible if you already have a qualifying NI year via work, another credit, or if living with the Child Benefit recipient.
No minimum care hours required, making it ideal for weekend or occasional caregivers.
Credits only apply if the Child Benefit recipient does not need them themselves—HMRC checks both NI records.

Real-Life Impact

123,000+ family members (mostly grandparents) have successfully claimed these credits.
Annual pension boosts range from £300 to £342 per year, depending on pension rates.
Over a typical retirement, boosts range between £6,560 and £7,000.
Over 40,000 claims made in the last year, with approval rates around 75–80%.

Don’t let this generous benefit pass you by. Pensioners who care for children under 12 may be entitled to up to £328 extra per year, adding thousands more over a retirement.

It takes just a single CA9176 form—signed by you and the Child Benefit recipient. With the ability to backdate claims to 2011, the savings could be significant.

Action steps:

Confirm Child Benefit is claimed for a child under 12.
Ensure the child’s parent does not need the credits.
Download and complete form CA9176.
Expect extra pension payments from HMRC—backdated and ongoing.

FAQs

Can I apply even after starting my State Pension?

Yes. HMRC backdates payments to the State Pension commencement date, so you still benefit financially.

What if the parent needs their NI credits?

You cannot claim in that case. The parent’s NI needs must be fulfilled before any credit can be transferred.

Is there a minimum caring requirement?

No. Even part-time or occasional childcare qualifies; no minimum hours are needed.