Claim Additional State Pension Years before Deadline
If you have gaps in your National Insurance (NI) record, time is running out to boost your State Pension. The UK government is offering a unique opportunity to fill in these gaps by purchasing additional NI contributions for past years—an option that will no longer be available after 6 April 2025.
Why This Matters
Your State Pension entitlement is based on your NI record, requiring at least 10 qualifying years for any pension and 35 years for the full amount. If you have missing years, your pension payments could be significantly lower than expected.
Under current rules, you can usually only backdate voluntary NI contributions for the past six years. However, until 6 April 2025, you can make contributions covering missing years from April 2006 onwards, a rare chance to boost your pension significantly.
Who Should Take Action?
You may benefit from making voluntary NI contributions if:
- You have gaps in your NI record due to career breaks, self-employment, or working abroad.
- You are nearing State Pension age and want to maximise your entitlement.
- You want to ensure you receive the full amount when you retire.
How to Check and Apply
- Check Your NI Record – Visit the UK government website or contact HMRC to review your contributions and identify gaps.
- Calculate the Benefits – Speak with a financial adviser or use the State Pension forecast tool to see how extra contributions could increase your future payments.
- Make the Payment – If beneficial, arrange to pay voluntary Class 3 NI contributions before the deadline.
Don’t Miss Out
This window of opportunity closes on 6 April 2025. Acting now could mean a higher retirement income. If you are unsure whether you qualify or if it’s worth making additional contributions, seek professional financial advice as soon as possible.
Secure your future today – check your National Insurance record and act before the deadline!
This information has been prepared using all reasonable care. It is not guaranteed as to its accuracy, and it is published solely for information purposes. Our opinions are subject to change without notice and we are not under any obligation to update or keep this information current. It is not to be construed as a solicitation and does not in any way constitute advice.
This article does not in any way constitute investment or tax advice. Any information is based on our understanding of the current HMRC rules which may be subject to future change. Tax advice is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
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