Martin Lewis has outlined key rules for understanding the state pension, including how a single change can boost your weekly payments by £68.80. The consumer champion addressed a query on his BBC podcast from someone whose family member, approaching age 40, had never been employed or claimed benefits, resulting in zero National Insurance (NI) contributions.
Lewis explained that National Insurance contributions function like tokens: each year of work or certain benefits (e.g., caring for children) earns a credit that goes into your pension 'piggy bank.' He noted that the general rule is 35 years of NI contributions for the full new state pension, but the exact number varies.
Hard Bottom and Soft Top
Lewis described two key thresholds: a 'hard bottom' and a 'soft top.' The hard bottom is the minimum requirement to receive any state pension: 10 years of NI contributions. Without those 10 years, you get nothing from the state pension. The soft top refers to the fact that even after qualifying for the full pension, you continue paying NI if working and under state pension age.
The full new state pension currently pays £241.30 a week, or about £12,550 annually. Generally, 35 years of NI contributions are needed for the full new state pension, while 30 years suffice for the full basic state pension.
Buying Missing Years
Lewis highlighted the option to fill gaps in your NI record for up to six tax years. This can be especially valuable for those close to the 10-year threshold. He shared a success story of someone with nine years of contributions who bought one extra year, lifting them from zero entitlement to roughly a third of the full state pension. That one year cost them money, but they recouped it within three months of receiving their pension. Under current rates, 10 qualifying years entitle you to £68.90 a week, boosting your annual income by £3,582.80, or nearly £300 a month.
Pension Credit as a Safety Net
For those reaching state pension age with low income and no state pension entitlement, Pension Credit is available. Lewis described it as a top-up to ensure a minimum income. Pension Credit is for people of state pension age (currently rising from 66 to 67 between April 2026 and April 2028). It tops up income to £238 a week for singles and £363.25 for couples. Additional amounts are available for severe disability (£86.05 a week) or caring for another adult (£48.15 a week).
Pension Credit also acts as a gateway benefit, unlocking council tax reductions, housing cost support, NHS expense help, and a free TV licence for those aged 75 and over. Lewis emphasised that for individuals with very low income, Pension Credit is 'the obvious thing' to explore.
