Voluntary National Insurance contributions can help make sure you have enough qualifying years to get the full State Pension.
Am I eligible?
Do you fall under the post 2016 state pension arrangements and have gaps in your National Insurance history?
Any men born after 5th April 1951 or women born after 5th April 1953 with National Insurance record gaps are able to top up their State Pension with voluntary contributions. Those who were in contracted out schemes and paid reduced National Insurance may want to check their record.
Normally individuals are only allowed to make up contributions going back a limited time, however due to demand, there is a window to go back further.
This was due to close in July 2023 but now is open to April 2025.
Visit the the Voluntary National Insurance site, for more information. If you’re living abroad, read leaflet NI38 and fill in form CF83 (found at the end). Send it back to HMRC using the address on the form.
How do I check my record?
Check your state pension summary on HMRC’s pension forecast.
More information
For more information and to pay, visit the Voluntary National Insurance site, including more information to help you plan your retirement.
Martin Lewis, money saving expert covers this in more depth in his “The Martin Lewis Money Show”. The episode on the NI deadline for state pensions is available to watch now on ITVX (available in the UK).
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