Ways to secure National Insurance credits without claiming Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefits have been revealed. National Insurance credits may be able to boost your state pension entitlement.

National Insurance credits can fill gaps in your National Insurance record, which determines your state pension entitlement. Usually, these credits are awarded to individuals on certain benefits such as Carer’s Allowance and Child Benefit, ensuring carers don’t forfeit state pension rights whilst looking after family members.

However, there are four methods people can obtain National Insurance credits without claiming any benefits. Some of these aren’t automatically granted, meaning individuals must make their claim or risk losing out.

Training courses

People aged 18 or over who have been enrolled on a government-approved training course by Jo Centre Plus should automatically receive Class 1 National Insurance credits. This only applies if the course doesn’t exceed one year, reports Birmingham Live.

If you’re over 18 and taking part in a government-approved training course that lasts no more than one year without being referred by the Job Centre, you may still qualify for credits but will need to apply. This involves writing to HMRC, specifying the period for which credits are being claimed and demonstrating your eligibility.

Jury service

Those who are not self-employed and have been summoned for jury service may be eligible for National Insurance credits for the duration of their court duty. To secure these Class 1 credits, a written application must be submitted to HMRC.

Partners of armed forces personnel

If you are married to or in a civil partnership with someone serving in the armed forces and have accompanied them on an overseas posting, you may qualify for National Insurance credits.

For those who departed for their assignment after April 6, 2010, and have since returned to the UK, Class 1 credits may be claimed. If your overseas deployment took place after April 6, 1975, you reached state pension age on or after April 6, 2016, and you’re not receiving Class 1 credits, then you may apply for Class 3 credits instead.

Wrongfully convicted

If your conviction was overturned by the Court of Appeal, or Court of Criminal Appeal in Scotland, you can apply for Class 1 credits. You must write to HMRC, providing your National Insurance number along with details explaining your entitlement.

Information on how to apply and where to send applications for these credits can be found on the Gov.uk website.