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New State Pension - What if I don't qualify?

New State Pension is money paid to people who reach State Pension age on or after 6 April 2016.

Last reviewed 14 August 2024

What if I don't qualify?

You may not qualify for the New State Pension because you haven’t paid enough national insurance contributions or received enough national insurance credits.  

You cannot receive any New State Pension based on your partner’s national insurance contributions. However, there are exceptions for people who were married before April 2016 and whose husband or wife has died, and for women who were allowed to pay a reduced rate of national insurance contributions under the old rules. This can be complicated, so you should get advice if you think this applies to you. 

You could also be eligible for Pension Credit to top-up your income.

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