If you’re a UK State Pensioner, there’s a limited-time chance to boost your retirement income by up to £1,835.
This opportunity allows you to fill gaps in your National Insurance (NI) record, increasing your pension payments. The deadline to apply is April 5, 2025, so don’t miss out on this financial boost.
What Is This Opportunity?
The UK government is allowing pensioners to make voluntary NI contributions to cover missing years between April 6, 2006, and April 5, 2018. By doing this, you can increase your State Pension payments and secure a higher retirement income.
Key Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Potential Claim Amount | Up to £1,835 for missing NI years |
| Deadline to Apply | April 5, 2025 |
| Eligibility | Men born after April 6, 1951, and women born after April 6, 1953 |
| Benefit of Extra NI Contributions | Increases weekly State Pension payments and overall retirement income |
| Cost of NI Contributions | Around £824 per year to fill gaps |
| Estimated Pension Boost | Adds about £275 per year to your State Pension |
| Where to Check NI Record | Check on GOV.UK |
Why This Matters
Your State Pension depends on how many National Insurance (NI) years you have. If you have gaps, you might receive less than the full pension. The full new State Pension is £21,201 per year (as of 2024), but you need 35 years of NI contributions to qualify for this amount.
Even one extra year of NI contributions can increase your pension by £275 annually. Over a typical 20-year retirement, that’s an additional £5,500!
With the cost of living rising, securing more pension income can provide greater financial security in retirement.
Who Can Apply?
You may be eligible if you:
- Have gaps in your NI record between 2006 and 2018.
- Are below State Pension age but want to boost future payments.
- Are already receiving a lower State Pension due to missing contributions.
- Lived or worked abroad and didn’t contribute to NI during that time.
- Were self-employed but did not make full NI contributions.
- Took time off for childcare, caregiving, or illness and missed NI payments.
Understanding NI Gaps
An NI gap happens when you haven’t paid or been credited with enough NI contributions in a tax year. Reasons include:
- Unemployment without claiming benefits.
- Low earnings that didn’t meet the NI threshold.
- Working abroad without paying UK NI contributions.
- Self-employment but not paying voluntary NI.
- Career breaks for illness or caregiving.
How NI Gaps Affect Your Pension
To qualify for the full new State Pension, you need 35 years of NI contributions.
| NI Contribution Years | Estimated Annual Pension |
|---|---|
| 35+ years | £21,201 (full pension) |
| 30 years | Around £18,170 |
| 20 years | Around £12,115 |
| 10 years | Minimum required for any pension |
If you have fewer than 10 years, you may not qualify for any State Pension. This is why filling gaps before the deadline can be crucial.
How to Claim Your £1,835
Step 1: Check Your NI Record
Find out if you have gaps in your contributions:
- Visit the GOV.UK National Insurance Record page.
- Log in using your Government Gateway account.
- Review your NI contribution history.
Alternatively, call the National Insurance Helpline at 0300 200 3500 to request a statement.
Step 2: Determine If You Should Pay Voluntary Contributions
Before making payments, check:
- Will extra years increase your pension?
- Are you already on track for the full pension?
- Could you qualify for Pension Credit instead?
- Do you have other retirement income (e.g., private pensions)?
For guidance, contact:
- Future Pension Centre: 0800 731 0175
- Pension Service (if retired): 0800 731 0469
Step 3: Make Voluntary Contributions
If it’s beneficial, you can buy missing NI years by paying Class 3 voluntary contributions.
- Cost per missing year: Around £824.
- Pension boost per year added: Around £275 annually.
- Total boost over 20 years: £5,500 extra.
How to Pay
You can pay for missing NI years via:
- Online banking.
- Cheque or Direct Debit.
- Calling HMRC to arrange payment.
Visit Gov.uk – Pay Voluntary National Insurance to complete your payment.
