Grandparents who claim State Pension can boost DWP payments by £6,000

Specified adult childcare credits (SACCs) were introduced in 2011 to support those caring for a family member's children, contributing towards their future state pension.

Grandparents can save £13,500 a year helping with childcare but many may be unaware of a potential financial boost available to them through 'valuable credits'. Specified adult childcare credits (SACCs) were introduced in 2011 to support those caring for a family member's children, contributing towards their future state pension.

The National Insurance credit received by a parent or carer claiming Child Benefit can be transferred weekly as Class 3 National Insurance credit for each week of care provided. Despite more than 12 million people in the UK claiming state pension, only around 150,000 applications for SACCs have been made in the past eight years, according to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) data.

Pamela Williamson, a 75-year-old grandmother from Kent, explained her situation to GB News. She looks after her three grandchildren: Poppy, 12, Mason, 9, and Prunella, 4. Williamson told GB News: "It's not an issue to spend on my grandchildren - I only buy it if I can afford it - things like clothes and money. We do a lot more than other grandparents but if you can help our children out you should do it which is how I feel."

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She said: "I didn't actually collect any childcare credits because I worked until I was 69 so it wasn't an issue for me. I had full contributions on my national insurance record to get the full state pension. But it is a valuable tool which can help others, so it is worth looking into."

She explained that she understood how caring for grandchildren comes at a high cost but she would only do what she can afford, adding: "I wouldn't take money out of my savings because I can't put that back, especially at my age." Applications for SACC can only be made after October 31 of the tax year you wish to claim for, as checks will need to be made if the parent or main carer of the child has a qualifying year for National Insurance reasons.