The amount of state pension someone can get is based on their National Insurance record when they reach state pension age. This means it is vital Britons build a strong record in order to maximise their income in retirement.

To receive the full new state pension, an individual may need 35 years of National Insurance contributions.

However, some may get a different amount, such as if they were contracted out before April 6, 2016.

These do not have to be consecutive, and it is possible for someone to have gaps in their record and still get the full amount of state pension, as long as they have 35 years overall.

Britons need at least 10 years of National Insurance contributions to get any state pension whatsoever.

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How to improve a National Insurance record

There are three ways to earn qualifying years of National Insurance, which will then increase someone’s state pension entitlement.

The most common way to earn a qualifying year is through working.

People who are employed and earn more than £184 per week from one employer should pay National Insurance and therefore earn a qualifying year for every year they work.

If someone wants to improve their National Insurance record further, they may be able to make voluntary contributions.

This could then increase their state pension entitlement.

Britons can check their National Insurance online to see if there are any gaps they wish to fill.

They can then find out if they are able to pay voluntary contributions and ultimately decide if this is something they wish to do.