State pension: You could be denied full sum due to National Insurance record | Personal Finance | Finance

Someone’s National Insurance record could have a significant bearing on how much state pension they can get. It is therefore important for Britons to maintain a strong record.

Qualifying years for National Insurance can be earned in three different ways:

• By working
• By claiming certain benefits
• By paying voluntary contributions

This includes:

• Child Benefit
• Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Employment and Support Allowance
• Carer’s Allowance
• Carer’s Credit

If someone still wishes to increase their state pension entitlement after exhausting other options, they may be able to pay voluntary contributions to earn more qualifying years.