Calculate how many NI qualifying years you have and how to reach 35 years for the full State Pension. NI credits can fill gaps from benefits, childcare and caring.
National Insurance Credits Calculator UK 2025/26
Years to Full State Pension
Types of NI Credits 2025/26
Credit Type
Who Gets It
Class 1 credit
Universal Credit, JSA, ESA claimants
Child Benefit credit
Claiming Child Benefit for under-12
Specified Adult Childcare
Grandparent/family carer of under-12
Carer's Credit
Caring 20+ hours/week (no benefit needed)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many NI years do I need for full State Pension?
35 qualifying years for the full new State Pension (£221.20/week in 2025/26). You need at least 10 qualifying years to receive any State Pension.
How do I check my NI record?
Use the HMRC Personal Tax Account at gov.uk/check-national-insurance-record. You can see qualifying years, gaps, and forecast State Pension.
What are NI credits?
NI credits fill gaps in your NI record without making contributions. They count the same as paid contributions for State Pension purposes.
Do I get NI credits for claiming Child Benefit?
Yes — anyone claiming Child Benefit for a child under 12 gets Class 3 NI credits automatically. If you transferred Child Benefit to a partner, the credits go to them.
What is the Specified Adult Childcare credit?
If a grandparent or other family member looks after a child under 12 so that the parent can work, the carer can claim the parent's NI credits (Class 3). Apply by 5 April 6 years after the end of the tax year.
How can I fill NI gaps?
You can pay voluntary Class 3 NI contributions (£824.20 per gap year in 2025/26). You can generally fill gaps going back 6 years. Until 5 April 2025, gaps back to 2006 could be filled.
Is it worth buying back NI years?
Class 3 costs £824.20/year and adds £6.32/week to State Pension. Payback period: ~2.5 years. If you live past State Pension Age by 2.5 years (average life expectancy much longer), it is worthwhile.
What is Carer's Credit?
Carer's Credit gives Class 3 NI credits to people providing 20+ hours of care per week without receiving Carer's Allowance. Apply using form CF411A.
Can my partner get NI credits from my record?
No — NI is individual. However, a non-working partner can get credits through Child Benefit (they must be named as the claimant) or through other credits like Carer's Credit.
What NI class is paid through employment?
Class 1 NI (employee: 8% between £12,570 and £50,270; employer: 15% above £5,000). Each full year of Class 1 NI counts as a qualifying year.
Does self-employment count for State Pension?
Yes — Class 4 NI paid by self-employed workers above £12,570 qualifies for State Pension. Class 2 NI (flat rate, now included in Class 4 for lower profits) also counted before 2024.
Can I get NI credits while on maternity leave?
Yes — statutory maternity pay (SMP) and maternity allowance periods count as qualifying years. No-pay maternity leave beyond SMP may not, so check your NI record.