Carer’s Credits

Carer’s credits are fictional social security contributions which are credited to old-age pension benefits. These are credited to your social security benefits for years in which you care for children or adult relatives who require care.

The logic behind these credits is that it generally is not possible to work and look after someone in need of full-time care simultaneously. When you forego working to care for someone, you accumulate less old-age benefits. As a result, you would receive a smaller pension than if you had remained employed instead of providing care. Carer’s credits make up for this deficit, enabling you to still receive a decent pension.

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