HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging one particular group of Brits to see if they can fill the gaps in their National Insurance to secure higher State Pension payments.
State Pension payments are typically quantified based on the number of ‘qualifying years’ that an individual has. This refers to the number of years that a person has paid National Insurance throughout their life prior to retirement.
In order to receive the full New State Pension of £221.20 per week, Brits need roughly 35 years’ worth of National Insurance contributions but it’s important to note that this may vary depending on someone’s unique circumstances. HMRC itself is urging Brits who live outside the UK to check if they can boost their state pension.
Writing on social media, the goverment department said: “Are you a #BritishExpat? There’s still time to fill gaps in your #NationalInsurance record back to 2006 with voluntary contributions.
“Doing this may increase your #StatePension.” Many expats outside the UK may be unaware that they’re still eligible for the New State Pension, or may have gaps in their NI record as a result of living or working outside of the UK.
Generally, people can only make voluntary contributions for the previous six tax years, and after the April 5 deadline this year, the standard six-tax year limit will be reinstated. Men born after April 6, 1951 and women born after April 6, 1953 are eligible to make voluntary NI contributions to enhance their New State Pension
How to check your National Insurance record
You can check your National Insurance record online with a Government Gateway ID. You will also need proof of your identity, such as a photo ID like a passport or driving licence.
Otherwise, if you live abroad you can apply for your National Insurance record via post which can be done through a PDU1 certificate. Full details of this can be found here.
Further voluntary contributions advice for expats
It’s important to note that voluntary contributions will not always increase your State Pension. In most cases, this can happen because you were contracted out, details of which can be found here.
If you’re living or working abroad while over or within six months of reaching State Pension age, then official advice states you should contact the International Pension Centre (IPC) for further advice. There are a number of ways you can contact the IPC, either online, through the phone, or post.
Online
You can contact the IPC through email by making use of the online enquiry form on GOV.UK. At the time of writing, official advice warns that it may take longer than usual to receive a reply through online enquiries.
Telephone
You can use the following phone numbers to contact the IPC in regards to the State Pension:
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+44 (0) 191 218 7777
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+44 (0) 191 218 7280
Post
You can use the following postal address to contact the IPC:
The Pension Service 11
Mail Handling Site A
Wolverhampton
WV98 1LW
United Kingdom
