People plugging gaps in their national insurance (NI) records to boost their state pension entitlements have contributed a total of £35 million since April last year using an online service from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
HMRC and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) are reminding people that they only have two months left, until April 5, to check their NI record and fill any gaps stretching as far back as April 6 2006.
From April 6 2025, people will only be able to make voluntary NI contributions for the previous six tax years, in line with normal time limits.
Since the launch of the digital service last April, 37,000 people have topped up more than 68,000 years of state pension.
HMRC said analysis of the digital service found two-thirds (65%) of the years topped up so far are from 2017 onwards and the average online top-up payment made is £1,835.
The biggest weekly state pension increase made has been £113.76.
HMRC said the “check your state pension forecast” service on gov.uk is the fastest and easiest way people can check what their pension will be in retirement and take action if they need to.
People can also use the HMRC app to check their state pension forecast.
In general, people need to build up 35 years of NI contributions to get the full new state pension.
People may also be able to receive credits if they are not paying NI and they can check whether they are entitled to do so at www.gov.uk/national-insurance-credits/eligibility.
Angela MacDonald, HMRC’s second permanent secretary and deputy chief executive, said: “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.
“Don’t delay – it is quick and easy to check your national insurance record on gov.uk and it could help your finances in retirement.”
People should also watch out for scammers posing as the revenue body and should never share their HMRC login details with anyone.
