How do I maximise my National Insurance record and increase my state pension?

National Insurance Contributions (NIC) are paid by individuals to qualify for benefits including jobseeker’s allowance and maternity allowance as well as state pension. 

Discover more on national insurance payments by reading our guide on how much national insurance you should pay. 

To ensure you’re entitled to a full state pension when you reach state pension age, you should check if you’ve paid enough National Insurance and/or got National Insurance credits. 

You can check your National Insurance record online using HMRC’s NI checking tool. This will confirm if you have any gaps in contributions or credits which could mean you won’t get a full state pension. You can also apply for a printed statement by post. 

Gaps can be filled with voluntary contributions, but you should check if you are eligible for NI credits first. For example, you may be able to claim NI credits if you’re ill or unemployed. If you are still working, these years where you are paying NI will also increase your National Insurance qualifying years. 

You can check your state pension forecast which will confirm the amount of state pension you’re entitled to and help you decide if paying voluntary NI contributions are worthwhile. 

Date published 21 Oct 2024

This article is intended to inform rather than advise and is based on legislation and practice at the time. Taxpayer’s circumstances do vary and if you feel that the information provided is beneficial it is important that you contact us before implementation. If you take, or do not take action as a result of reading this article, before receiving our written endorsement, we will accept no responsibility for any financial loss incurred.

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