The State Pension

NI credits

The basic state pension (BSP) 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.