If you’re a UK State Pensioner, you may be eligible to claim up to £1,835 by filling gaps in your National Insurance (NI) record. The government has set an important deadline of April 5, 2025, for making voluntary contributions to cover missing tax years from April 6, 2006, to April 5, 2018. Missing this deadline could mean losing out on thousands of pounds in additional pension income.
This guide explains who qualifies, how to check your eligibility, and how to apply for this pension boost.
Why This Matters
Your State Pension is based on your National Insurance contributions. If you have gaps in your record, your pension could be lower than the full new State Pension, which is £21,201 per year as of 2024.
By filling in these gaps, you can increase your pension payments, ensuring you receive more money throughout retirement.
A single year of National Insurance contributions can increase your pension by about £275 per year. Over a 20-year retirement, that adds up to an extra £5,500.
With rising living costs, having a higher pension income can provide more financial security and flexibility, making a significant difference in maintaining a comfortable lifestyle.
Who Can Claim?
You may be eligible to buy missing NI years if:
- You are below State Pension age but have gaps in your NI record between 2006 and 2018.
- You are already receiving a State Pension, but it is lower than the maximum due to missing contributions.
- You lived or worked abroad for some time 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 and missed full NI contributions.
Eligibility Criteria
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligible Age | Men born after April 6, 1951, and women born after April 6, 1953 |
| Deadline to Apply | April 5, 2025 |
| Maximum Additional Claim | Up to £1,835 |
| Cost of Filling NI Gaps | Around £824 per missing year |
| Pension Increase Per Year | About £275 annually |
National Insurance Gaps
A National Insurance gap occurs when you haven’t paid or been credited with enough NI contributions in a given tax year.
Common Reasons
- Periods of unemployment without claiming benefits
- Low earnings that didn’t meet the NI threshold
- Working abroad without making voluntary contributions
- Being self-employed but not paying voluntary NI contributions
- Taking time off work due to illness or caregiving responsibilities
How Gaps Affect Your Pension
To receive the full State Pension (£21,201 per year as of 2024), you need at least 35 years of NI contributions.
If you have fewer than 10 qualifying years, you may not receive any State Pension at all. This makes filling NI gaps extremely valuable, as even a few additional years can significantly boost your retirement income.
How to Claim the Extra £1,835
The first step is to see if you have any gaps in your NI contributions.
- Visit Check your National Insurance Record on the GOV.UK website.
- Log in using your Government Gateway account.
- Review any missing contribution years.
Alternatively, you can request a statement by calling the National Insurance Helpline at 0300 200 3500.
Make Voluntary Contributions
Not everyone benefits from filling NI gaps. Before making a payment, check:
- If extra years will increase your State Pension payments.
- If you are already on track to get the full pension.
- If you qualify for Pension Credit, which might give you a similar boost for free.
- If you have other sources of retirement income, such as private pensions or savings.
For expert advice, contact:
- Future Pension Centre: 0800 731 0175 (if you haven’t yet retired)
- Pension Service: 0800 731 0469 (if you are already receiving a pension)
Make Voluntary Contributions
If advised to proceed, you can purchase missing NI years by making Class 3 voluntary National Insurance contributions.
| Cost per Year | Estimated Pension Increase |
|---|---|
| Around £824 | About £275 annually |
This means if you fill six missing years, you could increase your total pension by approximately £1,650 per year.
Payment Methods
You can make voluntary NI contributions through:
- Online banking
- Cheque or direct debit
- Calling HMRC directly
To make a payment, visit Pay Voluntary National Insurance on the GOV.UK website.
Is It Worth Paying?
For most pensioners, paying to fill NI gaps is a worthwhile investment.
- If you live for 20 years after retirement, one additional year of NI contributions (£824) could provide an extra £5,500 in pension payments over time.
- If you fill multiple missing years, your total pension could increase significantly.
- Since State Pension payments rise with inflation, the long-term financial benefit is even greater.
However, if you have a short life expectancy or qualify for Pension Credit, making voluntary contributions may not be the best choice. Always seek financial advice before making a payment.
The UK government is giving pensioners a limited-time opportunity to increase their State Pension by filling National Insurance gaps before April 5, 2025.
By checking your NI record, determining eligibility, and making voluntary contributions, you can boost your retirement income for life.
For further details, visit GOV.UK or contact Future Pension Centre for advice on your specific situation.
FAQs
Who can claim the £1,835 pension boost?
Men born after April 6, 1951, and women born after April 6, 1953, with NI gaps.
What is the deadline to apply?
The deadline to fill National Insurance gaps is April 5, 2025.
How much does it cost to fill a missing NI year?
Each missing year costs around £824 in voluntary contributions.
How much will my pension increase per year?
Each additional NI year adds about £275 annually to your pension.
Where can I check my NI record?
You can check your National Insurance record on GOV.UK.
