People who neglect to claim the National Insurance credits they're eligible for could end up with diminished state pension payments. Contrary to popular belief, these credits aren't exclusively available to those receiving specific benefits.

National Insurance credits can plug gaps in your National Insurance record, which dictates your state pension entitlement. Typically, these credits are granted to people on certain benefits such as Carer's Allowance and Child Benefit, ensuring carers don't lose state pension rights whilst caring for family members.

However, there are four scenarios where people can secure National Insurance credits without claiming any benefits. Some of these aren't automatically awarded, meaning folks must stake their claim or risk missing out.

Training courses

Individuals aged 18 or over who have been enrolled on a government-approved training course by Jobcentre Plus should automatically receive Class 1 National Insurance credits. This only applies if the course doesn't last longer than one year.

If you're over 18 and participating in a government-approved training course that lasts no more than one year without being referred by the Jobcentre, you may still be eligible for credits but will need to apply. This involves writing to HMRC, outlining the period for which credits are being claimed and justifying your eligibility.

Jury service

Those who are not self-employed and have been called for jury duty may be entitled to National Insurance credits for the duration of their court service. To secure these Class 1 credits, a written application must be made to HMRC.

Partners of armed forces personnel

You may be eligible for National Insurance credits if you are married to or in a civil partnership with someone serving in the armed forces and have accompanied them on an overseas posting.

For individuals who left for their assignment after 6 April 2010 and have since returned to the UK, Class 1 credits may be claimed. If your overseas deployment occurred after 6 April 1975, you reached state pension age on or after 6 April 2016, and you're not in receipt of Class 1 credits, then you may seek Class 3 credits instead.

Wrongfully convicted

If your conviction was quashed by the Court of Appeal, or Court of Criminal Appeal in Scotland, you can apply for Class 1 credits. You must write to HMRC, supplying your National Insurance number along with details explaining your entitlement.

Details about how to apply and where to send applications for these credits can be found on the Gov.uk website.

Class 1 National Insurance credits count towards additional benefits including Jobseeker's Allowance alongside your state pension. Class 3 National Insurance credits solely count towards your state pension entitlement.

You can check your National Insurance record and state pension forecast onlineto see if there are any gaps that you could top up with credits and to check that any credits you have applied for are put in correctly.