National Insurance credits for parents and carers

National insurance credits for parents and carers

If you are not earning enough to pay national insurance, you can get national insurance credits (which count towards state pension and bereavement benefits) whilst you get Child Benefit for a child under 12 or in some circumstances, you are caring for a disabled person.

If you are the partner of someone who receives Child Benefit and you want to transfer the credits from them to you, you can also do this.

National insurance credits are a reason why you might decide to claim Child Benefit even though your partner earns too much for you to get it paid in full because of the high income tax charge (see Child Benefit).

You can also get national insurance credits (towards state pension and bereavement benefits) if you are caring for a child under 12, you do not get Child Benefit for them, and you are a relative such as a grandparent, aunt, uncle or cousin. The person receiving Child Benefit for the child must be someone who earns enough to pay national insurance, and must agree to your application for credits.

For the full details of who can get national insurance credits, and for details of how to apply, see the GOV.UK website.

This advice applies in England, Wales and Scotland. If you live in another part of the UK, the law may differ. Please call our helpline for more details. If you are in Northern Ireland you can visit the Labour Relations Agency or call their helpline Workplace Information Service on 03300 555 300.

If you have further questions and would like to contact our advice team please use our advice contact form below or call us.

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