Urgent Deadline: Check your UK state pension gaps before 6th April 2025

A crucial deadline is approaching for individuals in the UK to check for any gaps in their state pension contributions. If you have missing National Insurance (NI) contributions dating back to 2006, you have only a short time left to fill them. After 6th April 2025, you will only be able to go back six tax years, meaning that contributions before 2018/2019 tax year will be permanently lost. Taking action now could significantly increase your state pension entitlement.

Why this matters

The UK state pension is based on National Insurance contributions. To receive the full state pension, you need 35 years of qualifying NI contributions. If you have gaps due to periods of unemployment, maternity leave, or self-employment with low earnings, your state pension will be reduced.

For example:

• If you have only 33 years of NI contributions instead of 35, your state pension will be proportionally lower.
• If you have just 17 years of contributions, your pension will potentially be less than half of the full entitlement.

What happens after April 6th?

Currently, you can backdate your NI contributions to 2006. However, from 6th April 2025, this period will be reduced, allowing you to only backdate contributions to tax year 2019/2020. This means any missed years between 2006 and 2018 will be permanently lost unless action is taken before the deadline.

How to check your NI record and take action

1. Check your State Pension forecast – Visit the UK Government website (www.gov.uk/check-state-pension) to see how much state pension you are on track to receive.
2. Review your National Insurance record – Check for any gaps in contributions via www.gov.uk/check-national-insurance-record.
3. Make voluntary contributions – If you have missing years, you can make voluntary contributions, typically at a cost of around £820 per year.
4. Calculate potential benefits – Paying for missing years could significantly increase your state pension. For example, one of our financial experts estimates that although topping up 10 missing years might cost just over £8,200, in return, based on current figures, this could boost an individual’s annual state pension by around £3,250. Over a 20-year retirement, this could amount to £65,000 (before tax). If the person lives for 30 years after retiring, the total benefit could be close to £100,000. These figures are based on current estimates and can vary depending on individual circumstances. It’s always a good idea to consult with a financial expert to understand the specific benefits for your situation.
5. Act now – Contact HMRC or a financial adviser to explore your options before the deadline.

Who is most affected?

This deadline particularly affects individuals who may have taken career breaks, such as those on maternity leave or those who have had gaps due to periods of self-employment or low-income years. Women, in particular, are more likely to have interruptions in their work history due to childcare responsibilities, making it even more important to check and top up missing contributions.

Final thoughts

This is a time restricted opportunity to fill in gaps that could otherwise reduce your retirement income. With only a few weeks left before the deadline, reviewing your NI record and making necessary contributions could make a significant difference to your future financial security.

Don’t leave it too late , check your state pension today and secure your full entitlement before the window closes on 6th April!

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This article is for information purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.

The tax implications of pension withdrawals will be based on your individual circumstances.

Thresholds, percentage rates and tax legislation may change in subsequent Finance Acts.