State pension with 15 qualifying years — a partial pension.
What state pension do you get with 15 qualifying NI years? Calculate your estimated weekly pension and understand the impact of a shorter NI record.
Fifteen qualifying years is a common position for people who left the UK relatively early in their career, took extended career breaks for caring responsibilities, or spent long periods self-employed without paying Class 2 NI. At 15 years you receive roughly 43% of the full new state pension — about £98 per week or £5,100 a year at 2025/26 rates. That is a meaningful income stream, but it leaves a significant gap to the full entitlement. Each additional qualifying year you can add is worth approximately £329 per year for life. If you have gaps in your NI record from the last six years, voluntary contributions at £824 per year offer an exceptional return — payback in under three years if you reach state pension age.