The government is encouraging individuals to take advantage of the opportunity to maximise their State Pension by filling gaps in their National Insurance (NI) records for the period between 6 April 2006 and 5 April 2018.

By making voluntary contributions, people can potentially increase their future State Pension payments. This option is available until the deadline of 5 April 2025. 

Since the launch of the government’s digital service in April 2024, over 10,000 payments, totalling £12.5m, have been made. The online tool allows individuals to check for any gaps in their NI record, assess if making payments could improve their pension and make the payment if they choose. 

Analysis indicates that most users (51%) opted to top up one year of their NI record, with an average payment of £1,193. In some cases, users have increased their weekly State Pension by as much as £107.44. After the April 2025 deadline, voluntary contributions will only be permitted for the six most recent tax years. 

Minister for Pensions, Emma Reynolds, urges people to use this service, “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.” 

So far, 3.7 million people have accessed the online tool to view their State Pension forecast. You can check your State Pension here www.gov.uk/check-state-pension 

During the Autumn Budget, the government committed to maintaining the State Pension Triple Lock for the duration of this Parliament, meaning that the basic and new State Pensions will increase by 4.1% in 2025/26, in line with earnings growth (£230.30 a week for the full, new flat-rate State Pension and £176.45 a week for the full, old basic State Pension). 

The value of investments can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. The past is not a guide to future performance and past performance may not necessarily be repeated.

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