UK citizenship application for carers

[kameliya]

Hi everyone I am new to the forums and I am planning to apply for British citizenship but I have some concerns regarding the topic mentioned above.
I am a Bulgarian citizen. I have been in the UK since August 2004. I came to the UK as a spouse of a UK citizen after being granted a settlement visa in 2004 and a residence permit( ILR) in 2006. I am now divorced and since 2008 I have lived with my partner who is a UK citizen who fell seriously ill in 2010 and I have been looking after him since then. My partner receives ESA (joint claim) and PIP because of his health condition. Due to his illness I am unable to work as I am his full time carer for which I receive Carer's allowance. Could anybody please give me any information or advice to help support my application for a British citizenship. Just concerned because I claim Carers Allowance which is a benefit and I am not sure if this is classed as paid work or unpaid work. So here are my questions:
1. Is being in receipt of Carer's allowance classed as employment (as I have to do more then 35hrs care work to qualify for it in the first place?) and what do I fill in Details of employment section for the time from 2010 onward
2. Does age come into equation as I am 54 and my partner is 61?
3. As we are not married do my partner's details go in Details of your partner section?
4. and last but not least which route for application is best for me to take?
Otherwise I meet all the eligibility requirements stated.
Any advice will be gratefully appreciated. Thank you.

[CR001]

1. Is being in receipt of Carer's allowance classed as employment (as I have to do more then 35hrs care work to qualify for it in the first place?) and what do I fill in Details of employment section for the time from 2010 onward

You aren't 'employed', i.e. you don't pay tax through PAYE system with an employer. You simply state on your form that you are a 'Carer for partner'.

2. Does age come into equation as I am 54 and my partner is 61?

No.

3. As we are not married do my partner's details go in Details of your partner section?

You can leave it blank.

4. and last but not least which route for application is best for me to take?

There is only one route you can take. You have ILR and need 5 years residence to qualify for citizenship. Which other route do you think there is?