Boosting your state pension - deadline extended - important update

There was some welcome relief last Monday with the government’s announcement that it was again extending the deadline to fill National Insurance contribution gaps.

There is currently opportunity to fill gaps as far back as 2006 to increase your state pension entitlement. The deadline has now been extended to 5th April 2025 (initially set as 5th April 2023 then 31st July 2023) following reports that people have been experiencing significant delays contacting the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to make the top-ups. This extension will afford people plenty of time to make those vital contributions to boost their State Pension. In addition, the government announced that the cost of paying for the gaps will remain the same until 5th April 2025.

As per our previous article on 7th February 2023, you can normally only fill gaps in your National Insurance record from the past 6 years. However, as part of the transitional arrangements to the new State Pension, the government have allowed people to plug additional gaps from April 2006 to April 2016 i.e., an extra 10 years, to help increase the amount of State Pension they receive at State Pension Age.

To find out when you can claim your pension, how many complete National Insurance years you have and how much you are on track to receive you can use the online government forecast tool to check. https://www.gov.uk/check-state-pension

There is also a paper application form – if you prefer not to do this online.

If you would like to discuss your State Pension with one of our Planners, contact us.

The value of investments and the income derived from them can fall as well as rise. You may not get back what you invest.

This communication is for general information only and is not intended to be individual advice. It represents our understanding of law and HM Revenue & Customs practice. You are recommended to seek competent professional advice before taking any action.

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