You have until 5 April 2025 to pay for any missing National Insurance contributions from 2006 to 2016.
Your State Pension is determined by the number of qualifying years on your National Insurance record. Typically, you need 35 qualifying years to receive the full State Pension. If you have gaps in your National Insurance record—perhaps due to periods of low earnings, unemployment, or time spent abroad—voluntary contributions can help bridge these gaps. After the deadline, you will only be able to make up for gaps from the past six tax years, so this your final chance to address any shortfalls dating back to April 2006.
How to Check Your National Insurance Contributions
To determine if you have gaps in your National Insurance record and whether paying voluntary contributions is beneficial, follow these steps:
- Check Your NI Record: Log in to your personal tax account. Here, you can view your NI record, identify any gaps, and see how much it would cost to fill them.
- State Pension Forecast: Use the State Pension forecast tool to understand how your contributions affect your entitlement. This will help you decide if making voluntary payments is worthwhile.
Taking Action
If you decide to proceed, payments can be made online, by phone, or via bank transfer. Ensure you have your 18-digit reference number from HMRC to correctly allocate your payment. If you do not have a reference number, this will need to be requested from HMRC therefore action is required as soon as possible.
Stay Safe and Watch Out for Scams
As deadlines approach, be cautious of scams and unsolicited messages related to National Insurance top-ups or pension matters. Always rely on official channels like the DWP or HMRC for information or discuss with your trusted advisor.
We’re committed to guiding you through the process and ensuring you’re receiving all the support and benefits you’re entitled to. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for help. We’re with you, every step of the way.
For expert guidance tailored to your circumstances, reach out to your existing EQ contact, or email info@eqaccountants.co.uk.