If you’re a UK State Pensioner—or soon to be one—you could be entitled to a major financial boost. The UK government is giving eligible citizens the chance to top up their National Insurance (NI) record, potentially adding up to £1,835 to their pension. But there’s a strict deadline: you must act by July 5, 2025, or miss out permanently.
Here’s everything you need to know about this rare opportunity to increase your long-term pension income, who qualifies, and how to take action.
Why Filling National Insurance Gaps Matters
Your State Pension is based on how many qualifying years of National Insurance contributions you’ve built up over your working life. To receive the full State Pension—currently £21,201 annually (2024 rate)—you typically need 35 years of qualifying NI contributions.
But many people fall short. Gaps can occur due to unemployment, low earnings, time spent abroad, or caregiving responsibilities. The good news? You can fill these gaps by making voluntary contributions, and the return on investment is substantial.
One missing year costs about £824 to fill but could add £275 annually to your pension—a total of £5,500 over a 20-year retirement.
Who Is Eligible for the Pension Top-Up?
You may be eligible to buy back missing NI years if any of the following apply:
- You’re under State Pension age and had gaps between 2006 and 2018
- You already receive a reduced State Pension
- You lived or worked abroad during the eligible years
- You had low or no income, making you ineligible for automatic NI credits
- You took time off for caregiving, illness, or raising children
Importantly, men born after July 6, 1951, and women born after July 6, 1953, are within the qualifying range.
What Counts as a Gap in NI Contributions?
A “gap year” means you didn’t contribute enough NI during that tax year to make it count toward your pension. Common reasons include:
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Unemployment | Didn’t claim Jobseeker’s Allowance or credits |
| Low earnings | Income fell below NI threshold |
| Working abroad | Didn’t pay into UK NI system during that time |
| Self-employment | Didn’t pay voluntary Class 2 or Class 3 contributions |
| Caregiving or illness | No qualifying credits for time spent out of the workforce |
Even one missing year can reduce your pension for life. But these years can be recovered—if you act before the deadline.
Step-by-Step: How to Check and Fix NI Gaps
To see if you have gaps and how to fix them, follow these steps:
1. Check Your NI Record
Visit the official GOV.UK National Insurance record page. You’ll need a Government Gateway ID to log in.
There you can see:
- How many years of NI you’ve paid
- Which years are incomplete
- The cost to fill each gap
Prefer phone support? Call the National Insurance Helpline at 0300 200 3500.
2. Get a Pension Forecast
Next, get a personalized forecast from the Future Pension Centre (0800 731 0175). This will help you decide:
- How much your State Pension will increase if you fill a gap
- Whether it’s worth paying for the extra contributions
- If you already qualify for full pension or Pension Credit
- Whether filling a gap will affect your tax situation
How Much Does It Cost to Fill a Gap?
To cover one year of missed contributions, you typically pay around £824 via Class 3 voluntary NI contributions.
In return, you’ll get:
- An annual boost of £275 to your pension
- Over a 20-year retirement, that’s an estimated £5,500 return
- Total potential gain per eligible person: up to £1,835
This makes it one of the best legal returns on investment available to pensioners in the UK.
How to Make a Voluntary NI Payment
Once you’ve confirmed it’s worth paying, choose your preferred method to make the contribution:
- Online: Pay directly via GOV.UK’s NI payment page
- Phone: Contact HMRC’s payment helpline
- Bank transfer or direct debit
- By post: Send a cheque with your NI reference
Keep all receipts and confirmations for your records.
Deadline and Key Dates
| Detail | Deadline / Info |
|---|---|
| Deadline to fill NI gaps | July 5, 2025 |
| Cost to fill 1 year | Around £824 |
| Pension boost per year filled | Around £275 annually |
| Eligibility for birth dates | Men after July 6, 1951; Women after July 6, 1953 |
| Check NI record | Online or 0300 200 3500 |
After July 5, 2025, you’ll only be able to pay for the most recent six years, so this window for 2006–2018 will close permanently.
Common Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who qualifies for the £1,835 pension boost?
A: Anyone with NI gaps between 2006 and 2018, especially if those gaps lower your overall State Pension.
Q2: When is the final date to act?
A: July 5, 2025 is the last day to fill NI gaps from the eligible years.
Q3: Is it worth paying if I already get a pension?
A: Yes, if your pension is below the full amount, and the added income justifies the cost.
Q4: Can I pay for multiple years at once?
A: Yes. You can top up as many eligible years as you like—budget permitting—up to the 35-year max.
Q5: What if I didn’t file or work at all during those years?
A: You may still qualify if you apply for NI credits or make voluntary payments.