“Failing to do so can have a disastrous impact on someone’s financial wellbeing as many people begin being a carer later on in life and might need the credits to get the full state pension.”

According to Ms Kennedy, recent plans outlined by the Government suggest that Carer’s Credit will be an essential lifeline going forward those close to retirement.

She added: “The Government recently finally set out its long-awaited social care plan, which applies a £86,000 cap on care costs.

“However, the detail revealed that some lower income households will now need to meet almost all of that £86,000.