HMRC urges Britons to check if they can ‘boost’ state pension with vital check

is urging Britons to make a check to see if they can boost their by filling gaps in their National Insurance records.

The check is becoming more urgent, as people only have until April to plug gaps dating back to 2006.

After April 2025, people will only be able to date back six tax years to make contributions, which can lose people thousands of pounds.

People accumulate years through active employment or by receiving NI credits, which are granted during periods of unemployment, illness, or while fulfilling parental or caregiving responsibilities.

Most people need around 35 years of contributions to receive the full new , but some may need more.

Those who have gaps, which may have occurred when credits weren’t claimed, can increase their by purchasing additional NI years to fill these gaps.

In a new post on X, HM Revenue and Customs () wrote: “Discover if you can boost your .

“Want to know how much you’ll get? You may be able to get more by making Voluntary National Insurance Contributions.”

It added: “Check if you can benefit via our free app.”

It is important to note that while purchasing missing National Insurance years to plug gaps may be beneficial for some people, it may not be for others.

People can check if they’d benefit by checking their National Insurance record and forecast on the website.

HM Revenue and Customs () and the Department for Work and Pensions () also offer an to help people calculate if they’ll benefit from making voluntary contributions.

State pension rates 2025

rates will rise in April 2025 in line with the pledge. The new weekly rates for the new and basic will be:

New

• Full rate: £230.25 per week (from £221.20)

Basic

• Category A or B Basic : £176.45 per week (from £169.50)
• Category B (lower) Basic – spouse or civil: £105.70 per week (from £101.55)
• Partner’s insurance: £103.30 per week (from £101.55)
• Category C or D – non-contributory: £103.30 per week (from £101.55)