Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what arrangements exist to support those who have fallen behind with national insurance contributions in fully accessing contributory benefits.

National Insurance credits are generally available to people who are unable to work and pay contributions for example if they are unemployed, incapable of work or caring for others.

National Insurance credits are awarded automatically with qualifying social security benefits; otherwise applications are required to determine eligibility.

The Government is introducing a new credit for those who reach State Pension age on or after 6 April 2016. It will be available to the spouses and civil partners of members of HM Forces for past periods spent accompanying their Service partner on postings outside the UK.

Those not eligible for National Insurance credits may be able to fill gaps in their record to protect certain benefits by paying voluntary contributions. These are subject to time limits; and higher rate provisions when paid late.

For those who would like further information on their National Insurance record they should go to the GOV.UK website https://www.gov.uk/voluntary-national-insurance-contributions