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>Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP)
This benefit is dealt with by the Pension Service. Click here to go to their website.
What is Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP)
This is not a benefit, but a scheme to help you protect your basic State Retirement Pension
You may also get extra pension through State Second Pension
If you do not work or your earnings are low and you are caring for someone, you may be able to get HRP.
Do you qualify?
• If you get Child Benefit in your name for a child under the age of 16
or
• You get Income Support and do not need to register for work, because you are caring for someone
Then you should be getting HRP automatically.
Or if you regularly spend at least 35 hours a week looking after someone who is claiming Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance at the middle or highest rate for personal care, or Constant Attendance Allowance -
Then you should apply for HRP.
Notes
• If you get Carers Allowance you will get NI credits and will not usually need HRP.
• If you are a woman, you cannot get HRP for any year you are entitled pay reduced NI contributions for married women and widows, while you are working.
• HRP also helps protect bereavement benefits for your husband or wife.
How to claim
Contact your social security office for a claim form. You can find your local office here.
Information leaflet CF411 "How to protect your state Retirement Pension if you are looking after someone at home." is available from your social security office.
Changing circumstances
• If you already receive HRP and you go into hospital, or someone you claim it for goes into hospital, you must tell your social security office as soon as possible.
• If you already receive HRP and you go abroad, you should contact your social security office to let them know as soon as possible. You can get more information about social security agreements with other countries here.
• Your HRP may be affected if you go into residential care or a nursing home. Contact your social security office for advice.