If you’re a UK State Pensioner, you have a limited-time opportunity to boost your pension by up to £1,835. The government has set a deadline of April 5, 2025, to make voluntary National Insurance (NI) contributions covering tax years from April 6, 2006, to April 5, 2018.
Missing this deadline could mean losing out on thousands of pounds in retirement income. Here’s everything you need to know about eligibility, how to check your NI record, and how to apply.
£1,835 Pension Hike For State Pensioners
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Potential Claim Amount | Up to £1,835 for missing NI years |
| Deadline to Apply | April 5, 2025 |
| Eligibility | Men born after April 6, 1951, and women born after April 6, 1953 |
| Benefit of Extra NI Contributions | Increases weekly State Pension payments |
| Cost of NI Contributions | Around £824 per year to fill gaps |
| Estimated Pension Boost | Adds about £275 per year to your State Pension |
| Where to Check NI Record | GOV.UK National Insurance Record |
Why This Matters
Your State Pension is based on your National Insurance contributions. If you have missing years in your NI record, your pension could be lower than the full new State Pension, which is currently £21,201 per year (as of 2024).
By filling in these gaps, you can increase your pension payments for life.
For example:
- One extra year of contributions can boost your pension by around £275 per year.
- Over a 20-year retirement, this could add up to £5,500 in total extra income.
With the rising cost of living, securing every possible source of income is essential. This boost could help cover essential expenses and improve your financial stability in retirement.
Who Is Eligible?
You may qualify to buy missing NI years if:
- You are below State Pension age and have gaps in your NI record from 2006-2018.
- You already receive a State Pension, but it’s lower than the full amount due to missing contributions.
- You lived or worked abroad and did not contribute to NI in the UK.
- You were self-employed or had low earnings and did not make full contributions.
- You took time off for childcare, caregiving, or illness, leading to missed NI payments.
How Do Gaps Affect Your Pension?
The full State Pension requires at least 35 qualifying years of National Insurance contributions.
If you have fewer than 10 years, you may not receive any State Pension.
By filling in missing years, you can increase your total pension amount and secure a higher income for the rest of your life.
How to Apply for Your £1,835 Boost
Step 1: Check Your National Insurance Record
The first step is to check if you have any gaps in your NI contributions.
You can do this online:
- Visit GOV.UK – Check Your National Insurance Record.
- Log in using your Government Gateway account.
- Review any missed contribution years.
Alternatively, you can call the National Insurance Helpline at 0300 200 3500 to request a statement.
Step 2: Decide If You Should Make Voluntary Contributions
Not everyone benefits from filling NI gaps. Before making payments, check:
- Will extra years increase your State Pension?
- Are you already eligible for the full pension?
- Do you qualify for Pension Credit, which may provide a similar benefit for free?
- Do you have other retirement income, such as private pensions or savings?
For advice, contact:
- Future Pension Centre: 0800 731 0175
- Pension Service (if you’re already retired): 0800 731 0469
Step 3: Make Voluntary NI Contributions
If advised to proceed, you can buy missing NI years by making Class 3 voluntary National Insurance contributions.
- The cost per year is around £824.
- Each year purchased adds about £275 per year to your State Pension.
You can pay using:
- Online banking
- Cheque or Direct Debit
- By calling HMRC directly
To make a payment, visit GOV.UK – Pay Voluntary National Insurance.
This is a rare opportunity for State Pensioners to increase their retirement income. The April 5, 2025, deadline is fast approaching, so it’s important to check your NI record and take action if you have missing years.
With a potential £1,835 pension boost, securing your financial future has never been easier.
