Your National Insurance record

Lesson 3 of 13 in our free Pensions guide: a 5-minute money game with the key points below.

This lesson is in the full version.

Free with a code from your uni, college, council, landlord or employer (worth £600/year). Lesson 1 of Pensions is free for everyone.

Questions you'll answer

Mo spots a gap in his NI record. What's the first step?

Working and earning above the lower earnings limit → Counts (NI paid or credited). Earnings above £6,708 a year count towards a qualifying year.
Claiming Child Benefit for a child under 12 → Counts (NI paid or credited). You can get NI credits — make sure you're registered, even if you don't take the payment.
A gap year travelling with no work or credits → Usually doesn't count. No NI paid or credited. You might fill gaps later with voluntary contributions.
Caring for someone for 20+ hours a week (and getting credits) → Counts (NI paid or credited). Carers can often get NI credits.
Being a full-time student with no job → Usually doesn't count. Usually no credits for studying itself.
Fact: “Parents who don't claim Child Benefit payments can still register to get NI credits.” — Registering protects your NI record even if you opt out of the payments.
Myth: “Paying voluntary NI always boosts your State Pension.” — Not always — it depends on your record. Check your forecast first.
Fact: “Your National Insurance number stays the same for life.” — Keep it safe — it's a target for identity fraud.