You may be able to get National Insurance credits if you’re married to or the civil partner of a member of the armed forces and you go with them on an overseas posting…
Credits can help to fill gaps in your National Insurance record, for example if you were not in work when you were with your partner on an overseas posting. Credits can make sure you qualify for certain benefits including the State Pension.
Check your National Insurance record for gaps. You may not need to apply for credits, for example if you’ve already paid National Insurance contributions for the time overseas or you were getting certain benefits.
You get one of these types of credits for postings overseas, if you’re eligible:
- Class 1: for postings on or after 6 April 2010 – these count towards your State Pension and may help you qualify for some other benefits, for example new style Jobseeker’s Allowance and new style Employment and Support Allowance.
- Class 3: for postings on or after 6 April 1975 – these count towards your State Pension only.
You cannot get credits for any postings overseas before 6 April 1975.
You can find full details of the available credits and how to apply here.