What are Child Benefit National Insurance credits?
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In short: Free NI credits toward State Pension for parents under State Pension age who claim Child Benefit but earn below the NI lower earnings limit — protecting pension entitlement while caring for children.
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Credits attach to the named claimant — register the lower earner if one parent is not working.
You can register for credits without receiving payment if you opt out due to HICBC.
See Child Benefit explained guide.
Primary source: gov.uk/child-benefit
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