National Insurance credits: who can fill gaps in their record

What are National Insurance credits and why do they matter?

National Insurance (NI) credits fill gaps in your contributions record during periods when you are not paying National Insurance — for example while you are ill, out of work or caring for someone. GOV.UK states plainly that you may be able to get credits "if you're not paying National Insurance". They matter because you need at least 10 qualifying years for any new State Pension, and usually 35 years for the full rate of 241.30 pounds a week.

What is the difference between Class 1 and Class 3 credits?

The class decides what the credits count towards. Class 1 counts towards your State Pension and may help you qualify for some other benefits, such as New Style Jobseeker's Allowance. Class 3 counts towards your State Pension only.

ADV · A003We build websites for tradespeople and sole traders — £219Customers see your work and prices and message you straight away. Ready in 3 days, £219 instead of £438.Advertise here

Who gets credits automatically?

According to the GOV.UK eligibility page, many people receive credits without applying:

• people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance who are not in education or working 16 or more hours a week — Class 1;
• people on Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) — Class 1;
• people getting Carer's Allowance, or Carer Support Payment in Scotland — Class 1;
• people on Maternity Allowance — Class 1;
• parents registered for Child Benefit for a child under 12 (from 6 April 2010) — Class 3;
• people receiving Universal Credit — Class 3.

Which credits do you have to apply for?

Some credits are only granted if you claim them. These include:

• caring for a sick or disabled person for 20 or more hours a week without getting Carer's Allowance — this is Carer's Credit, Class 3;
• grandparents and other family members caring for a child under 12 (since 6 April 2011) where the parent agrees to transfer the credits — Specified Adult Childcare credits, Class 3;
• jury service, if you attended court and are not self-employed — Class 1;
• being unemployed and looking for work without claiming Jobseeker's Allowance — through your local Jobcentre, Class 1.

Credits received from registering for Child Benefit can be transferred to a spouse or partner who lives with you, provided you have already paid one qualifying year of contributions. You usually cannot get credits if you are a married woman paying the reduced rate of National Insurance.

How do you check and challenge credits?

To see whether you have credits, check your National Insurance record on GOV.UK. If you applied and the credits are wrong, contact the office where you applied; you can ask questions through HMRC online or by phone via the National Insurance helpline. You can challenge a credit decision by asking for a mandatory reconsideration.

ONLYWAY NEWS notes that this is a reference guide, not personal advice. Check the exact conditions and forms on the official GOV.UK pages.