What Is My National Insurance Record (NPS) — and How Do I Get It?
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Your National Insurance (NI) record (often called an “NPS print” within HMRC systems) shows your tax years, whether they count as qualifying years, and any gaps. For HRP claims it’s the starting point: we compare gap years with the years you were caring or receiving Child Benefit between 1978 and 2010.
Why your NI record matters for HRP
• It shows gap years where HRP may be missing.
• It confirms which years already count, so you don’t buy Class 3 unnecessarily.
• It helps align name and address history if records split after a marriage or move.
• It lets you verify progress once HRP is credited (qualifying years should increase).
How to get your NI record (three routes)
1) Online via GOV.UK (fastest): Use the “Check your National Insurance record” service. You’ll sign in with Government Gateway or create an account.
Link: https://www.gov.uk/check-national-insurance-record
2) By phone (HMRC): If you can’t use the online service, call HMRC and ask for a copy of your National Insurance record (or NPS print). You’ll answer security questions and may be sent a copy by post.
3) By post: Write to HMRC requesting a full NI record for the years you need. Include your NI number, full name(s), date of birth, current address, previous addresses, and the tax years requested.
What’s on the NI record?
• Each tax year and whether it is qualifying or has a gap.
• Credits applied (including HRP-era credits once added, or later NI credits).
• Contributions paid (Class 1, Class 2, Class 3, and voluntary payments).
• Notes that help explain gaps, which are useful when mapping to Child Benefit or caring years.
Common issues (and how to fix them)
• Name change not linked: Provide a marriage certificate or deed poll and documents tying both names to the same person and address.
• Address mismatch: Include tenancy agreements, council tax bills, or utility statements matching the address used on Child Benefit records.
• Partner claimed Child Benefit: Provide partner details and request HRP transfer if you were the main carer.
• Gaps where you were caring: Add Child Benefit evidence or caring letters for the relevant tax years (pre-5 April 2002).
• Considering Class 3 payments: Wait until HRP is decided—you may not need to pay once credits are added.
Simple action plan (5 steps)
1) Obtain your NI record online, by phone, or by post.
2) Mark any gap years between 1978 and 2010 that overlap with parenting or caring.
3) Gather evidence: Child Benefit letters or bank references, birth certificates, caring letters (pre-2002), marriage or deed poll documents, and address proofs.
4) Apply for HRP (CF411) via GOV.UK and attach a cover note mapping evidence to each tax year.
5) Check your NI record again after a decision to confirm qualifying years increased and query any discrepancies.
Official links
Check your National Insurance record: https://www.gov.uk/check-national-insurance-record
Get a State Pension forecast: https://www.gov.uk/check-state-pension
Apply for HRP (CF411): https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-home-responsibilities-protection