Brits are running out of time to top up their , with a crucial deadline looming that could mean missing out on thousands of pounds in retirement income.
The government has set a firm cut-off date April 5, 2025 for people to fill in gaps in their National Insurance (NI) record between 2006 and 2018.
After this, you will only be able to backdate contributions for six years instead of the current 12.
With the set to rise to £230.25 a week in 2025-26, this could be a golden opportunity for many to secure a better retirement – but only if they act fast.
If you have missing NI years, you may be able to buy back those years and dramatically increase your pension.
The government has set a firm cut-off date April 5, 2025 (Image: Getty)
You could be affected if you:
* Had low earnings that did not meet the NI threshold (self-employed or employed)
* Were unemployed but did not claim benefits
* Lived or worked abroad for a period
Many people assume their contributions are up to date, but thousands find out too late that gaps exist – costing them dearly in lost pension income.
The system changed in 2016, and the rules are different depending on your birth date:
The Old System (Pre-2016): If you were born before 6 April 1951 (men) or 6 April 1953 (women), you receive the old basic and could also qualify for the Additional .
The New System (Post-2016): To get the full new (£11,973 per year from 2025-26), you need 35 years of full NI contributions. You need at least 10 years to qualify for any at all.
Before taking action, check your NI record online . You’ll need:
Your National Insurance number
A photo ID (passport or driving licence) to sign in
This will tell you:
How much you’re on track to receive
If you have any missing years
Whether it’s worth making voluntary contributions
How much does It Cost – And how much could you gain?
Buying missing years can be an excellent investment. According to MoneyHelper:
A full year costs £907.40 but could increase your pension by over £6,500 across 20 years.
You’d break even in just three years – after that, it’s pure profit!
To pay, contact to get an 18-digit reference number, which allows you to make a secure payment online or via your bank.