Pensioners could boost their retirement pot by up to £24,000 if they top up gaps in their National Insurance (NI) records before an April 5 deadline. People claiming state pensions could substantially increase their retirement income by filling in gaps in their NI records dating back to 2006 before next month’s cut-off. Retirees have been warned that they must show 35 years of NI contributions to receive the new full pension allowance, which adds up to £221.20 a week or £11,502 a year.
The gaps can be filled through proof of active employment or the receipt of NI credits, including unemployment and caring responsibilities. If top-ups are not made before the deadline of April 6, Brits will only be able to claim for the last six tax years, potentially leaving them with a lower pension pay-out for life.
Helen Morrissey, head of retirement analysis at financial services firm Hargreaves Lansdown, said: “Topping up your state pension can be a cost-effective way of boosting your retirement income.
“But before you do, check that you’ll actually benefit,” the finance expert added, as reported by GB News.
While it may seem like a no-brainer to check if you’re eligible for a boost, filling in gaps in your NI record comes at an average cost of £824 per missing year.
Those registering just one year will add around £328 to their pension pots, while retirees reporting five years of missing contributions at a cost of £4,100 will see a more sizeable pension increase of £1,640 per year – adding up to an extra £16,400 over a ten-year period.
“If you qualified for benefits such as Jobseeker’s Allowance or Child Benefit, you may be able to backdate a claim. These benefits come with NI credits, so you could fill the gaps for free,” Ms Morrissey added.
But parents who opted out of receiving Child Benefit because of the High Income Child Benefit charge should check whether they qualify for free NI credits under a new government policy to automatically provide them from April 2026, a former pensions minister said.
Steve Webb, who is now partner at the investment firm LCP, added: “Parents thinking of paying voluntary NI contributions before the April 5 deadline might need to think again, as they risk wasting their money.”
