National Insurance credits are a way of maintaining your National Insurance record when you are not making National Insurance contributions.
They help to build up 'qualifying years', which count towards your entitlement for basic state pension, and other benefits.
Get a firmer grip on your finances with the expert tips in our Money newsletter – it's free weekly.
This newsletter delivers free money-related content, along with other information about Which? Group products and services. Unsubscribe whenever you want. Your data will be processed in accordance with our Privacy policy
Generally, those who qualify for National Insurance credits are not making National Insurance contributions because they are not in paid employment.
This can be because they are taking time out to look after children, or because they are unemployed or ill.
You can also receive National Insurance credits when you are on an approved training course or doing jury service.
There are two types of credits: Class 3 credits count towards your State Pension and bereavement benefits, and Class 1 covers these as well as other benefits (like Jobseeker's Allowance or Employment Support Allowance).
Some credits are allocated to your record automatically, while you'll need to apply for others.
Our table lists some of the most common scenarios where you can claim National Insurance credits - but the list is not exhaustive, so check the government's site on National Insurance credits
The table is correct as of April 2024.
You won't usually get credits if you're self-employed and need to pay Class 2 National Insurance contributions, or if you're a married woman paying a reduced rate of National Insurance (sometimes called the 'small stamp', you might be paying the reduced rate if you opted in before the scheme ended in April 1977).
Parents (aged over 16) who receive child benefit and are caring for a child under the age of 12 receive Class 3 National Insurance credits automatically.
Grandparents and other family members aged over 16 but under state pension age that provide care for a child aged under 12 may also be able to get Class 3 Specified Adult National Insurance credits.
These are not credited automatically and need to be applied for (using form CAP176
If you receive Carer's Allowance, you'll automatically receive Class 1 credits on your National Insurance record.
Those on Income Support automatically qualify for Class 3 benefits.
If you're not on Income Support, but are providing at least 20 or more hours a week to a sick or disabled person, you may be eligible for Class 3 credits - but you'll need to apply for them
Those people who currently receive Universal Credit will automatically qualify for Class 3 National Insurance credits.
If you are seeking work, you may be eligible for Class 1 credits. You'll automatically have these added to your record if you're already receiving Jobseeker's Allowance.
If you're not receiving Jobseeker's Allowance, but are unemployed and looking for work, you'll need to claim the Class 1 credits via your local Jobcentre.
Class 1 credits may also be available if you attend a government-approved training course that's less than one year long.
If you're sent by a JobCentre Plus, the credits will be added automatically, but otherwise you'll need to apply in writing to HMRC.
If you're unable to work due to illness or disability, you can automatically receive National Insurance credits if you are claiming the following benefits:
If you are not receiving these benefits, but do meet the criteria for them, you can claim the Class 1 credit via your local Jobcentre - and you might as well claim the benefits you are entitled to at the same time.
In some cases, you may be receiving Statutory Sick Pay but not earning enough to make a qualifying year for National Insurance.
If this is the case, you may be eligible for Class 1 credits, so write to HMRC at PT Operations North East England, HM Revenue and Customs, BX9 1AN.
Since the state pension rules changed, requiring 35 years' contributions to receive the full amount, HMRC and the Department for Work and Pensions introduced the Military spouses National Insurance credits system, which may help you maximise your state pension.
It basically works by allowing you to claim NI credits during periods when you were abroad with your spouse or civil partner on armed forces duty.
These credits aren't automatically paid - you'll need to apply, and can only claim for periods you were overseas, on or after 6 April 1975.
If you've attended court for jury duty, and aren't self-employed, you may be eligible for Class 1 credits.
But you'll need to apply for these in writing from HMRC, so write to: PT Operations North East England, HM Revenue and Customs, BX9 1AN.
Which? Limited is registered in England and Wales to 2 Marylebone Road, London NW1 4DF, company number 00677665 and is an Introducer Appointed Representative (FRN 610689) of the following:
1. Inspop.com Ltd for the introduction of non-investment motor, home, travel and pet insurance, who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to provide advice and arrange non-investment motor, home, travel and pet insurance products (FRN310635). Inspop.com Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to provide advice and arrange non-investment motor, home, travel and pet insurance products (FRN310635) and is registered in England and Wales to Greyfriars House, Greyfriars Road, Cardiff, South Wales, CF10 3AL, company number 03857130. Confused.com is a trading name of Inspop.com Ltd.
2. LifeSearch Partners Limited (FRN656479), for the introduction of Pure Protection Contracts and Private Health Insurance, who are authorised and regulated by the FCA to provide advice and arrange Pure Protection Contracts and Private Health Insurance Contracts. LifeSearch Partners Ltd is registered in England and Wales to 3000a Parkway, Whiteley, Hampshire, PO15 7FX, company number 03412386.
3. HUB Financial Solutions, for the introduction of equity release advice and an annuity comparison service, who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (‘FCA’) to provide advice and guidance on financial products for those who have retired or are approaching retirement (FCA Firm Reference Number: 455713). HUB Financial Solutions is registered in England and Wales to Enterprise House, Bancroft Road, Reigate, Surrey RH12 7RP, company number 05125701.
4. Alan Boswell Insurance Brokers Ltd (FRN 301), for the introduction of non-investment landlord insurances, who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority to provide advice and arrange insurance contracts. Alan Boswell insurance brokers Ltd is registered in England at Prospect House, Rouen Rd, Norwich NR1 1RE, company number 02591252.
Other financial services:
Mortgage service provided by London & Country Mortgages (L&C), Unit 26 (2.06), Newark Works, 2 Foundry Lane, Bath BA2 3GZ. London & Country are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (registered number: 143002). The FCA does not regulate most Buy to Let mortgages. Your home or property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
We do not make, nor do we seek to make, any recommendations or personalised advice on financial products or services that are regulated by the FCA, as we’re not regulated or authorised by the FCA to advise you in this way. In some cases, however, we have included links to regulated brands or providers with whom we have a commercial relationship and, if you choose to, you can buy a product from our commercial partners.
If you go ahead and buy a product using our link, we will receive a commission to help fund our not-for-profit mission and our campaigns work as a champion for the UK consumer. Please note that a link alone does not constitute an endorsement by Which?.
