The good news.

Fortunately the system accepts that not everyone is in work and paying National Insurance their whole lives. If you are claiming benefits such as Carer’s Allowance, Jobseekers Allowance or Incapacity Benefit then NI credits are normally being paid on your behalf. If you were a full time parent or carer then the number of qualifying years you need to reach to get the full pension may also be reduced due to what is known as ‘Home Responsibilities Protection’.