National Insurance Credits

What Are National Insurance Credits?

National Insurance credits are "qualifying years" that count toward your State Pension even though you haven't paid National Insurance contributions. They ensure you don't get gaps in your NI record during certain life circumstances.

Who Gets National Insurance Credits?

Parents and Carers of Children

Child Benefit Credits (Class 3)

• Eligibility: You're claiming Child Benefit for a child under 12
• Automatic: Yes, added automatically while you claim Child Benefit
• Important: Only one person can get credits per child (usually the person claiming Child Benefit)

Carers

Carer's Credit (Class 1 or Class 3)

• Eligibility: Caring for someone 20+ hours per week who receives certain disability benefits (Attendance Allowance, DLA, PIP, etc.)
• Automatic: Yes if you receive Carer's Allowance; otherwise you must apply
• Can backdate: Claims can be backdated to the start of the last full tax year

How to claim: If not receiving Carer's Allowance, apply through your local Jobcentre Plus or download form from GOV.UK.

Grandparents and Family Carers

Specified Adult Childcare Credit (Class 3)

• Eligibility: Caring for a child under 12 while parents are working (grandparents, other family members)
• Age limit: You must be aged 16 or over but under State Pension age
• Automatic: No - must apply using form CA9176
• Parent transfer: The parent must agree to transfer their credit to you

How to claim: Complete form CA9176 from GOV.UK.

Unemployed and Job Seekers

Jobseeking Credits (Class 1)

• Eligibility: Unemployed and available for work, OR receiving Jobseeker's Allowance
• Automatic: Yes if receiving JSA; otherwise register at Jobcentre Plus
• Requirements: Must be actively seeking work

Receiving Benefits

Automatic Credits for Various Benefits (Class 1 or Class 3)

• Universal Credit: Automatic Class 3 credits
• Employment and Support Allowance (ESA): Automatic credits
• Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA): Automatic Class 1 credits
• Statutory Sick Pay: Automatic credits
• Statutory Maternity/Paternity/Adoption Pay: Automatic credits
• Maternity Allowance: Automatic credits

Illness and Disability

You may get credits if you:

• Receive Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Receive Statutory Sick Pay for more than 4 weeks
• Were incapable of work before April 1995 (special rules)

Training and Education (Limited Cases)

• Approved training: In some government-approved training schemes
• Jury service: May receive credits for time served
• Foster carers: Automatic credits

How Credits Work

Types of Credits

• Class 1 credits: Similar to employed person's contributions
• Class 3 credits: Count toward State Pension but not some other benefits

What They Count Toward

Both Class 1 and Class 3 credits count toward:

• State Pension qualifying years
• Bereavement benefits (in some cases)

How to Claim Credits

Automatic Credits

If you're receiving benefits like Carer's Allowance, JSA, Universal Credit, or claiming Child Benefit, credits are added automatically. You don't need to do anything.

Manual Application Required

You must apply for:

• Carer's Credit (if not receiving Carer's Allowance): Contact Jobcentre Plus
• Specified Adult Childcare Credit: Form CA9176
• Jobseeking without JSA: Register at Jobcentre Plus

Backdating

• Carer's Credit can be backdated to the start of the last complete tax year
• Some credits can be backdated further in exceptional circumstances
• Always worth asking even if you think you're too late

Checking Your Credits

To see if you're receiving credits:

1. Check your National Insurance record at gov.uk/check-national-insurance-record
2. Look for years marked as "qualifying" even when you weren't working
3. Check your State Pension forecast at gov.uk/check-state-pension

Common Scenarios

Stay-at-Home Parents

If you're at home with children:

• Claim Child Benefit to get automatic NI credits
• You'll get credits until the child turns 12
• If you have multiple children, you're covered until the youngest turns 12
• This protects your State Pension even if you never return to work

Caring for Elderly Parents

If you're caring for a parent or other relative:

• Check if they receive Attendance Allowance, DLA, or PIP
• If yes, and you care for them 20+ hours/week, you may qualify for Carer's Credit
• Apply even if you don't receive Carer's Allowance (e.g., because you earn too much)

Low-Paid Workers

If you work but earn below the Lower Earnings Limit (£6,396/year for 2025/26):

• You won't get a qualifying year from work alone
• But you may get credits if you're also receiving certain benefits (e.g., Universal Credit)
• Or if you're claiming Child Benefit

Multiple Part-Time Jobs

If you have several part-time jobs:

• Each job's earnings are counted separately for NI
• You need to earn £6,396/year in one job to get a qualifying year
• Or have credits from another source (benefits, caring, etc.)

Important Things to Know

Credits Don't Cover Everything

Be aware that credits might not cover:

• Gaps while traveling: No credits for time spent abroad unless covered by special agreements
• Full-time students: Generally don't get credits (unless also a parent or carer)
• Early retirement: No credits if you simply stop working before State Pension age (unless claiming benefits)

What If You Have Gaps?

If you have years without contributions or credits:

• Check if you can claim credits backdated
• Consider making voluntary contributions to fill recent gaps
• Focus on filling gaps that will actually increase your pension

Help and Advice

For help with National Insurance credits:

• Future Pension Centre: 0800 731 0175
• Carer's Credit helpline: Contact through Jobcentre Plus
• Child Benefit Office: 0300 200 3100
• Universal Credit helpline: 0800 328 5644