Boost state pension for free with National Insurance credits – here’s how

The deadline to top up (NI) contributions and secure the full is fast approaching, but there’s good news for those concerned about missing out. Anyone who requests a callback from the Department for Work and Pensions () regarding their National Insurance record before April 5 will not be considered late, giving people a little more time to sort out any gaps.

To qualify for the full , people generally need around 35 years of qualifying National Insurance contributions. People accumulate NI years through active employment or by receiving NI credits. The current system allows individuals to top up their National Insurance record as part of the transition to the flat-rate introduced in 2016.

Currently, people can make voluntary contributions to cover National Insurance gaps dating back to 2006. After the April 5 deadline, this option will be restricted to the last six years only, limiting the opportunity to boost records for those who may have missed payments due to circumstances like living abroad or taking time off for caring responsibilities.

However, earning National Insurance years isn’t solely dependent on paid work.

Various scenarios, including caring for a child, being on Statutory Sick Pay, or taking time off for jury service, can automatically contribute to your National Insurance record.

Some scenarios where you may be eligible for credits include:

• Caring for a child in the family (credits can be transferred between parents and grandparents).
• Statutory Sick Pay if you weren’t earning enough for a qualifying year.
• Unemployment, as long as you were actively seeking work.
• Caring for a sick or disabled person for at least 20 hours a week.
• Time spent on jury service or wrongly imprisoned (if the conviction has been quashed).
• Being a foster or kinship carer (in Scotland) since 2010.
• Maternity, paternity, or adoption pay if you didn’t earn enough for a qualifying year.

For the complete eligibility criteria to claim National Insurance credits, .

People can find out if they’re missing contribution years by checking their National Insurance record and forecast on the .