You only have until 5 April 2025 to check your National Insurance record to enable you to fill in any gaps in your NI contributions from 2006 to 2018. If you have a shortfall in your record you have a few days to 5 April 2025 to buy back missed years to qualify for a full state pension – from 6 April you will only be able to fill in gaps for the last six tax years
How do I top up my NI – National Insurance?
Visit Gov.UK website and check your National Insurance record. Have your NI number to hand and a valid photo ID if you haven’t logged into Gov.UK account before (Government Gateway account) to check for gaps.
What are the requirements for State Pension?
Click our blog below for more details on state pension requirements and who can claim.
How do I access my pension forecast?
If you are not at state pension age, check your NI contribution record by logging onto the State Pension forecast calculator, which you can access through your Government Gateway.
No Government Gateway user ID? Not a problem. To set up a Government Gateway click on the link above and choose ‘start now’. Enter your name, email address and a password. You must then answer security questions to verify your identity, (you will need your National Insurance number, passport, pay slips or P60 to do this).
You can also check your State Pension forecast through the HMRC app.
We are advising our clients to check their National Insurance (NI) record within few days to understand whether it might be worth buying years by paying additional National Insurance voluntarily if they wish to avoid a state pension shortfall when they retire. You could have a gap because you took time off to go travelling or to raise children for example.
HB Accountants will not advise you on your pension – you will need to speak with your pensions professional. If you would like to talk to us about looking after your personal or business tax, call us on 01992 444466. We’re experts ready to support you and your business, no matter your company size or sector.
The information contained above is for general guidance purposes only. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the contents are accurate, please note that each individual has different circumstances and it is essential that you seek appropriate professional advice before you act on any of the information contained herein. HB Accountants can accept no liability for any errors or omission or for any person acting on or refraining from acting on the information provided in the above
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