Who can get it?

[ch 6: pages 60-61]

Your Basic State Pension depends on the number of years you’ve paid NICs, or got NI Credits while unemployed or claiming certain benefits, for example.

To qualify for a Basic State Pension, at least one of the following must apply:

• you were working and paying NICs;

• you were getting certain benefits, such as for unemployment or sickness;

• you were a parent or carer and claiming certain benefits or credits;

• you have a spouse or civil partner whose NICs cover you; or

• you were paying voluntary NICs.

To get the full Basic State Pension you currently need 30 years’ worth of contributions or credits. These are your qualifying years. If you have fewer than 30 years your pension will be less than £129.20 per week.

If you have gaps in your insurance record you may be able to make voluntary contributions to increase your pension (see www.gov.uk/voluntary-national-insurance-contributions).