Unpaid carers looking after loved ones will be able to receive a full basic state pension for the first time, from April.
Elmbridge’s 11,051 carers have been asked to come forward by Carers UK and the Department for Work and Pensions to see if they can benefit.
The carer’s credit will count towards their basic and second state pension but there is a concern some people may not recognise their eligibility.
Minister of State for Pensions and Ageing Society Angela Eagle said: “We want people to tell us if they, or people they know, are looking after somebody for more than 20 hours a week so they benefit from this change. The state pension is everyone’s foundation of financial security in later life and therefore, it’s only right that caring for others should be counted towards it.”
Visit direct.gov.uk\pensions or call 0800 6781132 for information.
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