Your National Insurance record and the new State Pension
Your entitlement to the UK State Pension is determined by your National Insurance (NI) record, a compilation of your NI contributions and credits. The new State Pension rules apply to those reaching State Pension age on or after April 6, 2016.
The minimum qualifying period for a pension
To receive any new State Pension, you need at least 10 'qualifying years' on your record. These years do not need to be continuous. Generally, fewer than 10 qualifying years means no State Pension, though exceptions exist for those who worked in certain countries abroad.
Achieving the full State Pension
To receive the full new State Pension, 35 qualifying years are required. For the 2025/2026 tax year, the full amount is £230.25 per week. If you have between 10 and 34 qualifying years, you will receive a proportional amount. For instance, 20 qualifying years would yield 20/35ths of the full amount.
What counts as a qualifying year?
A qualifying year is a tax year (April 6 to April 5) where you either:
- Paid sufficient NI contributions through work.
- Received NI credits from benefits like Jobseeker's Allowance or Child Benefit for a child under 12.
- Made voluntary NI contributions to fill a record gap.
Filling gaps in your National Insurance record
If your State Pension forecast shows gaps, you may be able to make voluntary contributions to increase your pension. Check your record on the UK government website to see costs and potential benefits.
- Free alternatives: Explore eligibility for free NI credits first, such as for caring responsibilities.
- Voluntary contributions: You can usually pay for the previous six tax years, though special deadlines for older years have been available.
Example comparison: Building up State Pension
This table illustrates how different qualifying years impact your State Pension based on the full 2025/2026 rate (£230.25 per week).
| Feature | Minimum Eligibility (10-19 Years) | Partial Pension (20-34 Years) | Full Pension (35+ Years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qualifying Years | Minimum 10 years for any payment. | Between 10 and 35 years. | 35 years for the maximum amount. |
| Payment Amount (Example) | With 10 years, £65.79 per week (£230.25 / 35 * 10). | With 25 years, £164.46 per week (£230.25 / 35 * 25). | £230.25 per week. |
| What to do if insufficient? | Consider voluntary contributions or checking for credits. | Consider voluntary contributions to reach the full pension. | No further action on qualifying years needed. |
Working abroad and combining contributions
Working in countries with UK social security agreements, like those in the EEA, allows 'aggregation' of contributions to meet the minimum 10-year threshold. However, the UK pension amount is based solely on your UK NI record.
The State Pension Age
Besides qualifying years, you must reach the State Pension age to claim your pension. This age is increasing; check your specific age on the official government website.
Conclusion: Your pension is a long-term plan
Your UK State Pension is based on your National Insurance record, requiring 10 qualifying years for any payment and 35 for the full amount (for post-April 2016 claimants). The system offers ways to fill gaps, such as voluntary payments and NI credits. Checking your State Pension forecast regularly is recommended to understand your eligibility and potential entitlement.
Get a State Pension forecast
Use the official UK government tool for a personalised pension estimate, including your State Pension age.
- Search 'check your State Pension' on gov.uk.
- Log in with your Government Gateway ID or create one.
Staying informed and managing your NI record helps ensure a more secure retirement.
How many years do I have to work in the UK to get a pension?
- Minimum years: You need at least 10 qualifying years of NI contributions or credits for any State Pension.
- Full pension years: 35 qualifying years are needed for the full new State Pension.
- Proportional payment: 10-34 years result in a proportional amount.
- Working abroad: Contributions in EEA, Switzerland, and certain other countries can help meet the 10-year minimum, but the UK payment is based only on UK contributions.
- Gaps in record: Check your NI record and consider voluntary contributions to fill gaps and potentially increase your pension.
