Still time to increase your state pension

Post by Mearns & Company in News

A deadline is approaching to boost pension benefits by closing any national insurance contribution (NIC) gaps.

Were you in full time employment or self-employment between 2006/07 and 2015/16? If the answer is either ‘no’ or ‘not sure’, time is running out for you to pay any missing NICs for that period.

You have until 5 April 2023 to plug the gaps, but before doing so you need to know which gaps to fill – some will cost less than others – and whether it makes financial sense to do so.

At best, if you are self-employed you could find a one-off payment of £163.80 buys you £275 a year extra state pension. At worst you could spend thousands, only to find what you have gained in state pension, you have lost in other state benefits.

Your starting point is to check your NICs record at https://www.gov.uk/check-national-insurance-record, which will require you to have a Government Gateway user ID.

Tax and benefit laws can change. The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate tax and benefit advice.