NI credits

The state pension is based on the number of years you have paid National Insurance or have received National Insurance credits.

You may receive/ have received National Insurance credits if you:

through getting certain State benefits;
if you were aged 16 – 18 before April 2010;
you are/were on an approved training course
if your spouse or civil partner is a member of Her Majesty’s force and you are/were accompanying them on an assignment overseas;
don't earn enough to pay national insurance;
are/were doing jury service;
have served a prison sentence for a conviction which was later quashed.

To find out more details about National Insurance credits, and to check your National Insurance record, please visit www.gov.uk/national-insurance-credits/overview.

Frequently asked...

Where can I find out more?

If you need more information, please contact us. A pension specialist from our team will be happy to help with whatever pensions-related question you have. Our help is always free.

The state pension is based on the number of years you have paid National Insurance or have received National Insurance credits