Who can get it?



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



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


• you were working and paying NI;



• 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;



• 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 £122.30 per week. 



You may be able to get NI credits if you are not paying NI, for example, when you are claiming benefits because you are ill or unemployed. Credits can help to fill gaps in your NI record, to make sure you qualify for certain benefits including the State Pension. 



You may be credited with contributions during periods when you are receiving benefits including: Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Working Tax Credit, Maternity Allowance, Statutory Sick Pay, Statutory Maternity Pay, Statutory Adoption Pay, Carer’s Allowance and Universal Credit. 


If you have been a parent or carer you can get NI credits which allow you to build entitlement to the State Pension. You may be eligible for NI credits if you are, for example:



• a parent with a dependent child under 12 years of age;



• an approved foster carer; or



• caring for at least 20 hours per week for one or more severely disabled people.