Exploring National Insurance Credits

Even if you have never been employed, you might have been eligible for NI credits without realising it. For example, if you have been a carer for a sick or disabled person for more than 20 hours a week, you could have claimed Carer's Credit. Similarly, if you have been receiving certain benefits, such as Jobseeker's Allowance or Employment and Support Allowance, you might have automatically received NI credits.

It's a good idea to review your personal history to see if there are any periods where you might have been eligible for NI credits. If you identify such periods, you can contact the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to see if your NI record can be updated accordingly.

Paying Voluntary Contributions

If you are below the State Pension age and have gaps in your NI record, you can choose to pay voluntary contributions to boost your State Pension entitlement. This can be particularly beneficial if you have some qualifying years but not enough to reach the 10-year minimum.

Before deciding to pay voluntary contributions, it's important to:

• Check Your National Insurance Record: This will show you any gaps in your contributions and how they affect your State Pension forecast.
• Evaluate the Cost: Voluntary contributions come at a cost, so you'll need to assess whether the potential increase in your State Pension is worth the expense.
• Consider Your Health and Life Expectancy: If you're in poor health, it might not be financially beneficial to make voluntary contributions.

You can find more information on paying voluntary NI contributions on the GOV.UK website.