Do you have gaps in your national insurance (NI) record?
There may be many reasons why you didn’t make NI contributions for a time. For example:
- You were unemployed but not claiming any benefits
- You were employed but on a low salary
- You were self-employed but didn’t pay NI because of small profits
- You lived and worked outside the UK
But this gap can have consequences further down the line.
You qualify for the state pension based on the number of qualifying years you paid NI, so if you have gaps in your record, you could get a much lower amount in later life.
Although you can fill gaps in your NI record from 2006 by making voluntary contributions, you can only do so until 5 April.
That means you have less than six months to act and maximise your state pension.
Once the deadline has passed, you’ll only be able to make voluntary contributions for the previous six tax years, in line with normal time limits.
How do I fill gaps in my NI record?
You can use the Check your state pension forecast tool on GOV.UK to find out if you can increase your retirement income.
The tool allows you to:
- See if you have gaps in your NI record
- Work out if making a payment would increase your state pension
- Make a payment if you want to do so
Since the tool was launched in April this year, people have made more than 10,000 payments worth £12.5 million.
More than half of those who’ve used it have topped up one year of their NI record, while the average online payment is almost £2,000.
So as the April 2025 deadline gets ever closer, the government is urging people not to delay and make use of this new service.
Pensions minister Emma Reynolds said: “We want pensioners of today and tomorrow to enjoy the dignity and support they deserve in retirement.
“That’s why I urge everyone to check if they could benefit by filling gaps before the deadline passes.
“Using our online tool means only a few clicks could make a huge difference to your future.”
State pension can make a difference to retirement income
On its own, the state pension won’t be enough to fund the type of retirement lifestyle you’d want and expect, so the money from your private and workplace pensions is essential.
But it can still make a big difference and act as a valuable top-up to your income in later life.
That’s why it’s well worth taking the time while you can to see if you can increase your retirement income.
Written by James Glynn
Senior Financial Content Writer
