Some grandparents and other family members are applying for National Insurance credits that can increase future state pension entitlement when they care for children. The credits are aimed at people below state pension age who can build up state pension rights and may also fill gaps in National Insurance contributions. Coverage says the scheme includes Specified Adult Childcare, which provides credits linked to caring responsibilities. One outlet reports that claims for Specified Adult Childcare can be backdated to 6 April 2011, potentially allowing eligible applicants to apply for earlier periods. Another report indicates that around 160,000 claims have been successful between 2016 and 2025 from grandparents or other relatives, though exact figures for this year’s applications are not consistent across the sources provided. Overall reporting describes the initiative as a way for those who care for grandchildren—particularly where the parents are working and eligibility conditions are met—to secure credits that may lead to a higher state pension later in life.