PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
(9 June 2026)

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps his Department is taking, with the Department of Health and Social Care, to distribute clear and accessible guidance on National Insurance credits and State Pension entitlement directly through NHS maternity services.

Asked by:
Connor Naismith (Labour)

There is a wide range of National Insurance credits available, ensuring people can achieve the best possible State Pension outcome when they reach State Pension age. A number of National Insurance credits are linked to an associated benefit. Child Benefit is of particular relevance to new parents.

HMRC, the Government department responsible for administering Child Benefit, provide information on claiming Child Benefit in packs provided to new parents in hospitals across the UK. The National Insurance (NI) credit associated with Child Benefit is applied automatically to claimants’ NI records. Last year over 500,000 flyers were issued to new parents with a QR code that takes customers straight to the Child Benefit claim page on GOV.UK. HMRC also regularly runs communication campaigns to remind families of the non-monetary benefits of claiming Child Benefit.

Guidance on all NI credits, including Child Benefit and Maternity Allowance, as well as information on State Pension entitlement, can be found on GOV.UK. Individuals can also check their National Insurance records online on GOV.UK and request a forecast online through Check Your State Pension.

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