Check your National Insurance record for gaps first. Some credits are automatic; others you must apply for.
Quick facts
- On Universal Credit
- Class 3, automatic
- On Carer's Allowance
- Class 1, automatic
- Caring 20+ hours, no Carer's Allowance
- Apply
- Child Benefit, child under 12
- Class 3, automatic
- Grandparent minding a child under 12
- Apply
Two kinds of credit
- Class 1 - these count towards your State Pension and may help you qualify for some other benefits, for example New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Class 3 - these count towards your State Pension only
Credits you get automatically
- You’re on Jobseeker’s Allowance and not in education or working 16 hours or more a week
- You’re on Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), or Unemployability Supplement or Allowance
- You’re on Maternity Allowance
- You’re a parent or guardian registered for Child Benefit for a child under 12 (even if you do not receive it)
- You’re getting Carer’s Allowance payments
If you receive Universal Credit, you get Class 3 credits automatically.
Credits you have to apply for
- You’re caring for one or more sick or disabled person for at least 20 hours a week (apply for Class 3 carer’s credits if you’re not on Carer’s Allowance)
- You’re unemployed and looking for work, but not on Jobseeker’s Allowance
- You’re on Statutory Sick Pay and you do not earn enough to make a qualifying year
- You’re a foster carer
Grandparents and other family members
You can apply for Specified Adult Childcare Class 3 credits if all the following apply:
- you’re an eligible family member over 16 but under State Pension age
- you’ve cared for a child under 12 at any time since 6 April 2011 and the child’s parent or guardian gets Child Benefit and agrees to transfer the credits to you
Before 2010: Home Responsibilities Protection
If you got Child Benefit for a child under 16 between 6 April 1978 and 5 April 2010 but did not get Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP) automatically, you can claim HRP to get Class 3 credits.
If you were eligible to claim Child Benefit between 7 January 2013 and 5 April 2026 and will reach State Pension age before 6 April 2027, check if you need to report a financial loss from the delay to the replacement credits service.
If you still have gaps
You may be able to pay to fill them: see voluntary National Insurance. Carers can also see Carer’s Credit.
Common questions
Who gets National Insurance credits automatically?
People on Universal Credit, Carer’s Allowance, ESA, Jobseeker’s Allowance or Maternity Allowance, and parents registered for Child Benefit for a child under 12.
Can grandparents get credits for minding grandchildren?
Yes. Specified Adult Childcare credits can be transferred to a family member caring for a child under 12, if the parent gets Child Benefit and agrees.
I care 20 hours a week but don't get Carer's Allowance. Can I get credits?
Yes. Apply for Class 3 carer’s credits.
Do credits count towards the State Pension?
Yes. Both Class 1 and Class 3 credits count towards your State Pension.