Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have any plans to allow women who do not claim Child Benefit due to a parent earning above £50,000 and who do not realise they are losing out on their State Pension accrual, to reclaim the lost National Insurance credits for past years; and if not, why not.

There are National Insurance credits linked to Child Benefit which are awarded to the parent or carer who makes a claim for a child under age 12. These credits help build qualifying years towards the State Pension and are awarded even if individuals choose not to receive payment of Child Benefit on the basis of their household income. A claim for child benefit is required to award the credit as the Department does not hold information that would allow us to separately identify individuals who might be eligible.

The Child Benefit claim form and guidance notes included in Bounty packs available to new parents and on GOV.UK stresses the importance of making a claim whether or not they are entitled to receive a payment as Child Benefit entitlement can only be backdated for up to 3 months before the claim date. There are no plans to alter the current arrangements.