HMRC is urging Britons to make a check to see if they can boost their state pensions by filling gaps in their National Insurance records.
The check is becoming more urgent, as people only have until April to plug gaps dating back to 2006.
After April 2025, people will only be able to date back six tax years to make contributions, which can lose people thousands of pounds.
People accumulate National Insurance (NI) years through active employment or by receiving NI credits, which are granted during periods of unemployment, illness, or while fulfilling parental or caregiving responsibilities.
Most people need around 35 years of contributions to receive the full new state pension, but some may need more.
Those who have gaps, which may have occurred when credits weren’t claimed, can increase their state pension by purchasing additional NI years to fill these gaps.
In a new post on X, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) wrote: “Discover if you can boost your state pension.
“Want to know how much state pension you’ll get? You may be able to get more by making Voluntary National Insurance Contributions.”
It added: “Check if you can benefit via our free HMRC app.”
It is important to note that while purchasing missing National Insurance years to plug gaps may be beneficial for some people, it may not be for others.
People can check if they’d benefit by checking their National Insurance record and state pension forecast on the GOV.UK website.
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) also offer an online state pension forecast service to help people calculate if they’ll benefit from making voluntary contributions.
State pension rates 2025
State pension rates will rise in April 2025 in line with the triple lock pledge. The new weekly rates for the new and basic state pension will be:
New state pension
Basic state pension
- Category A or B Basic State Pension: £176.45 per week (from £169.50)
- Category B (lower) Basic State Pension – spouse or civil: £105.70 per week (from £101.55)
- Partner’s insurance: £103.30 per week (from £101.55)
- Category C or D – non-contributory: £103.30 per week (from £101.55)
