ClaimGuide Team: National Insurance credits can help build qualifying years towards your New State Pension, even when you are not paying National Insurance through work. You may receive credits automatically, or need to claim them, for example when receiving certain benefits, caring for someone, bringing up a child or being unable to work because of illness. You usually need at least 10 qualifying years for any new State Pension, while 35 years is often used as a guide for the full rate, although individual records can differ. Check your forecast and National Insurance record on GOV.UK before considering voluntary contributions.