How to check your National Insurance record

Step by step

1. 1

   Step 1: Sign in on GOV.UK or the HMRC app

   Go to GOV.UK > Check your National Insurance record and sign in, or use the HMRC app. If it's your first time, you'll create an account and may need photo ID to prove who you are.

   Next: step 2
2. 2

   Step 2: Look at your full years

   Your record shows what you've paid up to the start of the current tax year, National Insurance credits you've received (for example while claiming certain benefits or Child Benefit for a young child), and any years that aren't full – these don't count towards your State Pension.

   Next: step 3
3. 3

   Step 3: Check for gaps

   Gaps can come from time abroad, low earnings, self-employment or caring. Credits you were entitled to sometimes go missing – if a year looks wrong, contact HMRC.

   Next: step 4
4. 4

   Step 4: See if voluntary contributions would help

   The service shows whether paying voluntary contributions for a missing year would increase your State Pension, how much it would cost, and lets you pay online for eligible years.

   Next: step 5
5. 5

   Step 5: Get advice before paying

   Paying doesn't always increase your pension. Check your State Pension forecast first and, if unsure, contact the Future Pension Centre or get free guidance before you pay.

   Next: step 6
6. 6

   Step 6: Other ways to check

   You can request a printed statement online, call HMRC's National Insurance helpline, or write to HMRC (PT Operations North East England, HM Revenue and Customs, BX9 1AN).