Workers pay National Insurance (NI) contributions. In general, you need 35 years of qualifying contributions to get a full state pension.
You may have gaps in your NI record if, for example, you have lived abroad. If you’ve taken time away from work to care for children or family members, then you get NI credits if you receive child benefit or carer’s allowance.
It’s possible to boost your contribution history with voluntary payments. Since April 2025, you have only been able to make payments for the previous six years.
That’s one reason why it is important to check your state pension forecast well before you retire, experts say.
