When can I claim National Insurance credits?

You can claim NI credits in a wide variety of situations, and you can check your eligibility for credits here. Many people will automatically receive credits they’re entitled to if they’re claiming certain benefits, which we detail below. 

You may be able to claim NI credits in the following scenarios:

You’re a parent looking after children aged under 12. You should automatically receive National Insurance credits when you claim Child Benefit. You shouldn’t need to complete any forms, but if you’re missing credits from your record you can apply for these here. 

You’re a grandparent helping to take care of children aged under 12. You can also make use of the credit scheme if you’re a grandparent, aunt, uncle, sibling, cousin and parent who doesn’t live with the child (including partners of relatives). These credits are called Specified Adult Childcare Credits. 

You don’t need to have looked after a child for a particular number of hours to be eligible to claim credits. For example, you could look after them all week, or just one day a week, and potentially benefit from the scheme. If you cared for a grandchild or grandchildren over video or even the telephone during coronavirus lockdowns, when government rules meant you were unable to do so in person, you can still apply for credits. However, this rule only applies to the tax years 2019/20 and 2020/21. Read more about in our article Caring for grandchildren: how it can help you boost your State Pension entitlement. 

Parents who are returning to work can transfer their entitlement to these NI credits to a family member who helps with childcare and who might have gaps in their own National Insurance record. However, parents only receive NI credits if they are registered to receive Child Benefit, which they are entitled to receive if they earn less than £50,000 a year.

You’re a carer for someone who is ill, disabled or elderly. You can usually claim NI credits if you’re providing care for at least 20 hours a week. This is called Carer’s Credit, which can safeguard your State Pension entitlement. If you receive Carer’s Allowance, you’ll automatically receive Class 1 NI credits, while those on Income Support will qualify for Class 3 credits (and benefits). If you’re not on Income Support, and providing at least 20 hours of care a week to someone who’s ill or disabled, you might qualify for Class 3 credits, but you’ll need to claim them. You can read more about how Carer’s Allowance works in our article What is Carer’s Allowance and who gets it? 

You’re unable to work because of illness or disability. You may worry about the impact on your NI contribution record if you’re off work for a long period of time. You should receive Class 1 NI credits automatically if you’re receiving one of the following benefits: Incapacity Benefit or Employment and Support Allowance. If you’re not receiving these benefits, but meet certain criteria, you may still be able to claim NI credits, and you can check if you qualify at your local Jobcentre. You may find you’re also eligible for other financial support. 

If you’re receiving Statutory Sick Pay but you’re not earning enough to receive a qualifying year on your NI record, you may be able to claim Class 1 credits. You can find out more information and if you can claim these by writing to HMRC at PT Operations North East England, HM Revenue and Customs, BX9 1AN. 

You’re unemployed. If you’re receiving Universal Credit you’ll automatically receive Class 3 National Insurance credits. If you receive Jobseeker’s Allowance you’ll automatically receive Class 1 credits. If you’re looking for work but not in receipt of benefits you might still be able to claim NI credits through your local Jobcentre. If you’re sent on a government-approved training course by your Jobcentre that runs for at least a year, you should receive Class 1 NI credits automatically. 

You are or have been on Jury service. You can claim National Insurance credits by completing the relevant form above to ensure your State Pension entitlement if you’re off work on Jury service for a lengthy period. You’ll need to apply in writing for NI credits in this scenario by writing to: PT Operations North East England, HM Revenue and Customs, BX9 1AN.

You’re married or a civil partner to someone who works in the armed forces. If you moved abroad with your partner for their work in the armed forces, you can claim Class 3 NI credits for the period you live overseas. You won’t receive credits automatically, so you’ll need to apply to HMRC to ensure these are applied to your record. 

You are, or have been, on maternity or paternity leave, or adoption pay. You can claim NI credits if you are receiving or have received.