HMRC are writing to parents and carers who may have gaps in their National Insurance (NI) records for periods when they should have been entitled to Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP). Claiming any missing HRP could boost an individual’s state pension entitlement by filling gaps in their NI record.
Between 1968 and 5 April 2010, HRP reduced the number of qualifying years a person needed for state pension purposes where they were:
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Claiming child benefit;
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Caring for a child with a partner, and the partner claimed child benefit;
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Foster carers;
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In receipt of income support whilst caring for a sick or disabled person; or
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Caring for a sick or disabled person who was claiming certain benefits.
A Government investigation found that HRP entitlement was not always recorded – for instance because NI numbers were not reliably included on child benefit claims – and that up to 210,000 people may have incomplete NI records as a result.
Further details of HRP eligibility can be found on GOV.UK, including an interactive eligibility checker. Anyone eligible can claim HRP online or by post.
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