HMRC issues six-month warning to people who pay National Insurance

HMRC has called on people to check their National Insurance record to see if they have any gaps that could prevent you from claiming the full amount.

HMRC has issued a six-month warning for thousands of people to boost their State Pension payments. HMRC has called on people to check their National Insurance record to see if they have any gaps that could prevent you from claiming the full amount.

There are two State Pensions: the Basic and New. Most people need 35 qualifying years on their National Insurance record to get the full new state pension, and ten years to receive anything at all, HMRC rules stipulate and explain.

Helpfully, you can buy back missing National Insurance years dating back to 2006 - but the rules are changing so that after April 5, 2025, you will only be able to go back six tax years. It normally costs £824 to buy a missing National Insurance year and this adds up to £328 each year to your pre-tax state pension.

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Data this month showed more than 10,000 payments worth £12.5million have been made through the new digital service that was launched to help people purchase National Insurance contributions. Emma Reynolds, Minister for Pensions, 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.” After the 5 April 2025 deadline, people will only be able to make voluntary contributions for the previous 6 tax years, in line with normal time limits.

Since its launch in April, 3.7 million people have used the online checking tool on GOV.UK to view their State Pension forecast. You can contact the free Future Pension Centre on 0800 731 0175 to check if you'd benefit from plugging any gaps in your National Insurance record, or if you're already at state pension age, contact the free Pension Service helpline on 0800 731 0469.