Money-saving expert Martin Lewis is urging the public to take a closer look at their State Pension forecast, which could hold the key to boosting their retirement savings. Highlighted in the latest MoneySavingExpert (MSE.com) newsletter, Lewis explains the pivotal role of National Insurance (NI) credits, accumulated through work in Britain, in augmenting one’s State Pension.
He advised, “Every year worked in the UK builds up National Insurance years (as can looking after your child, caring or being ill). Most people now need roughly 35 years to qualify for the full New State Pension of currently £221 per week for a single person. This payment is taxed as other income and is currently paid when you hit 66 whether you still work or not. Do check your State Pension forecast and see if you can boost your State Pension.”
Additionally, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has disclosed that since last April, individuals seeking to fill gaps in their NI record—with an eye on a plumper State Pension—have spent a total of £35 million using an online service. With encouragement from HMRC and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), there’s a timely reminder for people to review their NI history and rectify any shortfalls going back to April 6, 2006, but they must act fast—the deadline is April 5.
Come April 6, 2025, voluntary NI contributions will be restricted to only the six tax years prior, in line with standard practice.
A staggering 37,000 Britons have seized the opportunity to enhance their retirement funds by adding over 68,000 years’ worth of State Pension since the launch of an online platform in April last year, the Daily Record has revealed. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) data shows a notable trend with 65% of these additional years being purchased since 2017, and contributors paying an average of £1,835 each.
Astonishingly, one individual has increased their weekly pension by £113.76. With the deadline looming, HMRC urges individuals to utilise the ‘Check your State Pension forecast’ tool on GOV.UK to promptly ascertain any missing contributions. Moreover, the HMRC app provides handy access to pension forecasts.
For those who don’t contribute to National Insurance (NI), credits might be up for grabs, and eligibility can be verified through GOV. UK. HMRC‘s deputy chief executive, Angela MacDonald, warned, “There are just two months left to check and fill any gaps in your national insurance record from 2006 onwards to boost your State Pension entitlement. People should also watch out for scammers posing as the revenue body and should never share their HMRC login details with anyone.”
HMRC‘s deputy chief executive, Angela MacDonald, warned, “There are just two months left to check and fill any gaps in your national insurance record from 2006 onwards to boost your State Pension entitlement. People should also watch out for scammers posing as the revenue body and should never share their HMRC login details with anyone.”
Rosie Hooper from Quilter Cheviot delivers a potent reminder: “For those with gaps in their record – especially people in their late 40s, 50s, and 60s – checking eligibility should be a priority. The average online top-up payment is £1,835, so paying a relatively small price now could have a substantial impact on your financial wellbeing in retirement.”
Putting money into your pension now can lead to substantial financial rewards down the line, as noted by Sir Steve Webb, a former pensions minister and current partner at LCP (Lane Clark and Peacock). He pointed out that investing a few thousand pounds now could result in tens of thousands of pounds in additional pension income during retirement, making it a highly lucrative decision.
However, Webb cautioned that it’s essential to verify that making voluntary contributions will indeed lead to a higher State Pension. He also highlighted the benefits of topping up, stating, “For most people who are short of a full State Pension, top-ups are generally excellent value for money, with the cost being recovered within three to four years of retiring.”
Furthermore, Webb emphasized the importance of acting quickly, saying, “This is likely to be the last opportunity to fill gaps more than six years back, so it is worth everyone checking their pension forecast and seeing if a top-up would be worthwhile.”
Note: I made minor changes to ensure the text flows better and is easier to read while maintaining the original meaning.
