Caring for someone Frequently asked questions

Child Benefit is paid to my partner, but I stay home to look after the children. How do I get Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP)?

HRP is awarded to the person who has claimed and receives the Child Benefit payment. You need to contact the Child Benefit Centre and ask for the payment to be transferred to you. As HRP can only be awarded for complete tax years, you should think carefully about when to change.

I have one child and receive Child Benefit. When does Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP) end?

HRP is only awarded until your youngest child is sixteen. HRP ends on 5th April prior to the youngest child's 16th birthday.

What conditions must I satisfy to get Home Responsibilities Protection?

You may satisfy the conditions for HRP if one or a combination of the following apply for a complete tax year:

  • you are the person to whom Child Benefit is payable for a child under 16
  • you care for a person who is sick or who has a disability, for at least 35 hours a week, and who receives
    • Attendance Allowance
    • Constant Attendance Allowance
    • Disability Living Allowance with the highest or middle rate care component
    • you are a registered foster carer (after 6th April 2003)

If you have Married Women’s/Widows Reduced Rate election in force you cannot have HRP.

When was Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP) introduced, and what happened before?

HRP was introduced on 6th April 1978. Prior to that there was no form of protection for carers.

Why do I receive Child Benefit but do not get Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP)?

The person who made the claim and was awarded Child Benefit gets HRP automatically. Alternate payees are not covered.

Are there time limits for applying for HRP?

For periods of caring before 6 April 2002, claims to HRP can continue to be made at any time. However, for periods of caring from 6 April 2002 claims to HRP must be made within three years of the end of the tax years in which caring took place.

There are no time limits imposed for period of HRP awarded automatically, through Child Benefit or for carers who receive Income Support.