If you’re asking how much state pension will i get if i have never worked, the honest answer is: it depends on your National Insurance (NI) record, not on whether you’ve ever had a paid job.

Some people who’ve never worked still build NI qualifying years through NI credits (for example, as a parent or carer). Others have 0 qualifying years, and under the new State Pension rules, that can mean £0 State Pension, even though other support (like Pension Credit) may still be available.

How much state pension will I get if I have never worked? The UK rules explained clearly

Can someone get the State Pension if they’ve never had a job?

Yes, if they have enough NI qualifying years on their record. Under the new State Pension system, a person generally needs at least 10 qualifying years to get any State Pension.

What happens if someone has 0 qualifying years?

If someone reaches State Pension age under the new State Pension rules with 0 qualifying years, their State Pension entitlement can be £0.

Here’s what you can do next: Check the NI record and look for any credits that may apply before assuming the pension will be zero.

How many qualifying years are needed for any State Pension and for the full amount?

A qualifying year is usually a tax year where someone either:

• Paid NI through work.
• Got NI credits.
• Paid voluntary NI contributions.

New State Pension: The rule of thumb

• Minimum to get anything: 10 qualifying years.
• Often needed for the full rate: 35 qualifying years (in straightforward cases).
• Some people may need more than 35 if they have a “contracted out” history before 2016, which can reduce the starting amount.

Basic State Pension: Why some older claims follow different rules?

If someone reached State Pension age before April 2016, they may fall under the older system (basic State Pension plus additional elements). The qualifying-year rules can differ depending on age and circumstances.

What is the full State Pension amount in 2025–26?

These are the headline weekly figures used in the 2025–26 tax year:

Item (2025–26)	Weekly figure	Who it applies to (high level)
Full new State Pension	£230.25/week	People reaching State Pension age on/after 6 April 2016 (actual amount varies by NI history)
Full basic State Pension (core amount)	£176.45/week	People under the older system (pre-2016 State Pension age)
Over 80 pension (top-up)	£105.70/week	If aged 80+ with basic State Pension below this (or none)
Pension Credit “standard minimum guarantee” (context)	£227.10/week single / £346.60/week couple	Means-tested top-up for low income at State Pension age

“Never worked” but still built qualifying years: How NI credits work

This is where many “never worked” State Pension situations change completely. NI credits can protect (or build) qualifying years even without paid work.

Common routes people miss:

• Child Benefit NI credits: Claiming Child Benefit for a child under 12 typically creates NI credits that count towards the State Pension.
• Carer’s Credit: May apply if caring at least 20 hours a week for someone receiving certain benefits.
• Credits via certain benefits: For example, Universal Credit can provide NI credits.
• Specified Adult Childcare credits (“grandparent credits”): A family member caring for a child under 12 may be able to apply in certain situations if the parent agrees.

Let’s explore this properly: if someone has ever claimed Child Benefit, provided care, or claimed certain benefits, it’s worth checking their NI record before assuming they’ll get nothing.

How much might someone get with 0, 10, 20, or 35 qualifying years?

These examples are illustrative for the new State Pension. Real outcomes can differ depending on contracted-out history, protected payments, and gaps/credits.

Qualifying years (new system)	What it could mean	Rough weekly expectation (2025–26)
0	No entitlement under the new State Pension	£0
10	Minimum to receive any new State Pension	A partial amount (varies)
20	Midway record	Often around ~20/35 of the full rate (before adjustments)
35	Full record (straightforward cases)	Up to £230.25/week

Can someone claim a State Pension using a spouse or civil partner’s record?

This is widely misunderstood. Under the new State Pension, entitlement is usually based on the individual’s own NI record, not a spouse’s.

There are limited cases under older rules where a spouse/civil partner record can affect entitlement, but it depends heavily on timing and circumstances.

What if the State Pension is £0 or very low? What support is available?

If someone’s forecast shows low or no State Pension, it’s essential to explore all available support options, including Pension Credit or the Over 80 pension. These are often underclaimed despite being vital for financial stability later in life.

It’s also worth staying informed on policy shifts that may affect your future entitlements. For instance, those planning to retire abroad should be aware of recent developments covered in the Frozen State Pension News, as certain overseas residents may see their pension amounts frozen.

Likewise, the UK State Pension Age Retirement Changes may influence when and how much you can claim, especially if you’re approaching retirement age.

Pension Credit

Pension Credit is means-tested and designed to top up weekly income to at least a minimum level (subject to household circumstances). For 2025–26, the standard minimum guarantee is £227.10/week (single) or £346.60/week (couple).

Over 80 pension

If someone is 80 or over and receives no basic State Pension (or it’s below a set figure), they may be able to get the Over 80 pension, £105.70/week in 2025–26.

How to check entitlement properly: State Pension forecast + NI record

Don’t guess, check the State Pension forecast and NI record. The forecast shows what someone could get, when they can claim, and whether they can improve it.

If there are gaps, voluntary contributions are usually only possible for the past 6 tax years (deadline typically 5 April each year), but whether it’s worth paying depends on the person’s forecast and circumstances.

Social signals and user sentiment (Reddit, Facebook, X)

Paying into government pension if you have never worked in the UK.
byu/JaBe68 inUKPersonalFinance

Check your State Pension forecast online if you would like to know how much State Pension you could get: https://t.co/k9wc1Ef9xJ pic.twitter.com/O95EnfOsR6

— GOV.UK (@GOVUK) December 6, 2022

Conclusion

If someone has never worked and has no NI credits, the State Pension outcome can be £0 under the new system, but many “never worked” cases still build qualifying years through parenting, caring, or benefit-linked credits.

Here’s what you can do next: check the State Pension forecast, check the NI record for gaps/credits, and if the pension will be low, explore whether Pension Credit might apply.

FAQs

Can you get State Pension if you’ve never worked?

Yes, if you have enough NI qualifying years via credits or contributions. Under the new system you generally need 10 qualifying years to receive anything.

What happens if you have 0 qualifying years?

Under the new State Pension rules, it can mean £0 State Pension, which is why checking NI credits is crucial.

Do stay-at-home parents get State Pension?

They may build qualifying years through Child Benefit NI credits.

Do carers get NI credits towards the State Pension?

Many do, Carer’s Credit can apply if caring 20+ hours/week for someone receiving certain benefits.

Can you buy missing NI years, and is it worth it?

Sometimes. Voluntary contributions can fill some gaps, but it’s best to check a forecast first to see whether paying will increase the pension.

Can you claim State Pension through your spouse?

Usually not under the new State Pension, but there are limited cases under older rules where a spouse/civil partner record can affect entitlement.

Author expertise note

This guide is written in an informational UK context, using current published 2025–26 weekly rates and practical “what to check next” steps commonly used in UK benefits and payroll explainers for readers.