UK Experts Urge Parents to Claim Child Benefit for Pensions

Tax experts and government agencies are highlighting the importance of claiming Child Benefit to secure National Insurance credits that protect future State Pension entitlements. Andrew Wood, a tax expert at Tax Barrister UK, warns that gaps in National Insurance records can have a lasting impact on pensions, particularly for parents who have taken career breaks or reduced their working hours. Because credits are awarded only to the claimant, Wood advises that the parent with lower earnings should be the one to apply.

HM Revenue and Customs administers these credits automatically for claimants with a child under 12. These credits help individuals reach the 35 qualifying years typically required to receive the full State Pension rate of £241.30 per week. The Department for Work and Pensions notes that those contracted out of the system before April 2016 may have different requirements.

For high-income earners with salaries between £60,000 and £80,000 during the 2026/27 tax year, the High Income Child Benefit Charge may apply. However, these individuals can opt out of receiving the actual cash payments to avoid the tax charge while still claiming the benefit to preserve their National Insurance credits and secure a National Insurance number for their child.