Martin Lewis is urging pensioners to complete a task which is the “most lucrative thing you can do”.
The Department for Work and Pensions has handed state pensioners a strict deadline for topping up their National Insurance contributions and boosting their pots.
Pensioners can increase their State Pension with one simple check. The DWP says downloading the HMRC app can help state pensioners check for any missing years in their National Insurance Contributions and potentially add thousands to their pension pot.
Martin Lewis has explained why it is crucial, saying: “Boosting your state pension by back-claiming or buying missing National Insurance years is one of the single most lucrative things you can do.”
The 52-year-old said: “Many people have been in touch to say they’re likely to gain £10,000s from it.”
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the DWP said: “Want to know how much State Pension you’ll get? You may be able to get more by making Voluntary National Insurance Contributions. Check if this applies to you via the free HMRC GOV.UK app.”
You cannot pay voluntary contributions if you do not have gaps in your National Insurance record – unless you’re getting Class 3 credits and are eligible to pay Class 2 contributions.
You cannot pay voluntary contributions if you are a married woman or widow paying reduced rate National Insurance or have passed the deadline for paying contributions for the period that has gaps, either, the DWP has stipulated.
The DWP says: “Voluntary contributions do not always increase your State Pension, for example, if you were contracted out.
“If you’re below State Pension age, check your State Pension forecast to find out if you’ll benefit from paying voluntary contributions. You can also contact the Future Pension Centre.
“If you’ve reached State Pension age, contact the Pension Service to find out if you’ll benefit from voluntary contributions.
“If you’re living or working abroad and you’re over, or within 6 months of reaching State Pension age, contact the International Pension Centre for advice.”
