To qualify for the new state pension, you generally need at least 10 qualifying years on your National Insurance record.
Thousands could miss out on state pension cash by not applying for a new-style benefit with a “hidden” protection. To qualify for the new state pension, you generally need at least 10 qualifying years on your National Insurance record. To get the full amount, you usually need 35 qualifying years.
Those who take time out of work due to illness or disability can make up these years by getting National Insurance credits instead. Those claiming certain benefits qualify for these credits automatically, meaning they won’t miss out.
One of those is “new-style” employment and support allowance (ESA). You can apply for new style ESA if you are under state pension age (66) and have a disability or health condition that limits your work ability.
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Former Liberal Democrats Pensions Minister Sir Steve Webb said: “The ‘credits only’ award has been part of the system for decades. But information about it is scant, and people on DWP phone lines often don’t even mention it.
“Even if someone on the phone tells you that you aren’t eligible for the benefit payments, you should still apply to get these hidden National Insurance credits.”
“Not doing this can leave a gaping hole in your National Insurance record and leave you short in retirement.”
Steve said: “If you are unable to work because of disability, it’s vital to make sure you are claiming the correct benefits in order to protect your National Insurance record and to make sure you get a good state pension.
“It is only by claiming either Universal Credit or what is called ‘new style’ ESA that you get vital NI credits.
“Even if you’ve been told on the phone that you may not qualify because you or a partner has too much income or savings, you should still apply simply to get the NI credits.”
With new-style ESA, you can receive weekly payments worth up to £140.55, on top of the free national insurance credits.
