More than 200,000 applications have been made for specified adult childcare credits, which can boost state pensions for grandparents who help with childcare, according to wealth manager Quilter. Quilter obtained the figures via a freedom of information request to HM Revenue and Customs, showing 202,037 applications between 2016-17 and 2024-25, with around 79% approved. Applications jumped from 29,967 in 2022-23 to 42,964 in 2023-24, which HMRC attributed to increased media coverage raising awareness. The credits transfer weekly national insurance credits from a child benefit recipient to an eligible family member caring for a child under 12, helping to fill gaps in NI records that often affect women. Jon Greer, head of retirement policy at Quilter, said the credits offer grandparents a simple way to strengthen their state pension entitlement while supporting working families, but noted that clearer guidance is needed as a significant number of applications remain unsuccessful.
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