Did you know that if you are looking to retire, you will need to have 35 ‘qualifying years’ in order to claim the full state pension?

However, if there are gaps in your National Insurance record where you have not made enough National Insurance Contributions (NICs), you may not be eligible to receive the full state pension and/or qualify for state benefits.

To fill any gaps in your NI record and boost your state pension, you can normally pay voluntary additional NICs for the previous six tax years. However following an announcement in 2023, HMRC extended the payment options to allow taxpayers the opportunity to make additional NICs towards any tax years from 6 April 2006 onwards. 

This extended period will close on 5 April 2025 and any additional payments made to NI records after this date will revert back to the six years rule. 

So with only two months to go before the deadline, HMRC is now advising any taxpayers who still wish to pay voluntary NICs towards their pension, to use their online service to check for gaps in their NI record and find out how much pension they could get. 

The Check your State Pension tool will show any gaps in your NI record and details of the voluntary contributions you would need to pay to fill the gaps, if it will be of benefit.  Payment can then be made through the online system.

Angela MacDonald, HMRC’s Second Permanent Secretary and Deputy Chief Executive, said:

“There are just 2 months left to check and fill any gaps in your National Insurance record from 2006 onwards to boost your State Pension entitlement. Don’t delay – it is quick and easy to check your National Insurance record on GOV.UK and it could help your finances in retirement.”

Contact us for more information on voluntary contributions and whether it’s the right decision for you.

Internet link: GOV.UK