Two months left to boost State Pension as £35 million added to pots

More than £35 million has been added to State Pension pots since the launch of a digital top-up service last April, with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) revealing that over 37,000 people have used it to fill gaps in their National Insurance (NI) records.

With just two months remaining before the 5 April deadline, HMRC and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) are urging people to check their NI records and take action if necessary.

The deadline marks the final opportunity to make voluntary contributions for tax years dating back to 2006. From 6 April 2025, people will only be able to fill gaps for the previous six tax years.

Since the service’s introduction, people have topped up a total of 68,673 years of contributions.

More than 37,000 online payments have been made, with most covering tax years from 2017 onwards.

The average top-up payment is £1,835, while the largest recorded increase to a weekly State Pension is £113.76.

Angela MacDonald, HMRC’s Second Permanent Secretary and Deputy Chief Executive, urged people to act quickly.

“There are just two months left to check and fill any gaps in your National Insurance record from 2006 onwards to boost your State Pension entitlement. Don’t delay—it is quick and easy to check your National Insurance record on GOV.UK and it could help your finances in retirement.”

More than 4.3 million people have used the enhanced digital service to check their State Pension forecast. The system allows users to view their NI record, calculate how voluntary contributions would affect their pension, and make a single payment for as many years as needed.

How to check and pay

The quickest way to check a State Pension forecast is through the Check your State Pension forecast service on GOV.UK. HMRC app users can also view their pension details, including their potential retirement date and expected payments.

Who can top up their pension?

Men born after 6 April 1951 and women born after 6 April 1953 are eligible to make voluntary NI contributions to boost their new State Pension. Some individuals may be able to claim NI credits instead of making payments.

The deadline to pay for years from 2006 to 2018 was extended to 5 April 2025 to allow more time for those affected by new State Pension rules.

From April 2025, only the last six tax years will be available for top-ups.

Most people of working age can use the online service, including those living abroad who wish to make voluntary contributions for periods they resided in the UK.

However, those already receiving their State Pension, self-employed workers, and individuals with overseas gaps from working abroad must follow different procedures set out on GOV.UK.

People should be aware of the risk of scams and should never share their HMRC login details.

Official guidance on avoiding scams is available on GOV.UK.