Thousands of older Britons could unlock a significant State Pension boost worth hundreds of pounds per year simply by checking and filling gaps in their National Insurance (NI) record.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued guidance for individuals born before 1959, highlighting how they can increase their State Pension by making voluntary NI contributions before a crucial April 5, 2025 deadline. This could lead to a lifetime pension increase well above the initial cost of the top-up.

Here’s everything you need to know about the £824 financial opportunity and how to check if you qualify.

Why It Matters

Your State Pension is calculated based on your National Insurance record specifically, the number of qualifying years of contributions or credits. For those reaching retirement age soon (or already there), missing years on that record can mean receiving less than the full State Pension.

But there’s good news: filling those gaps is possible, and the return on investment could be substantial.

Buying back just one missing year costs around £824, but can boost your annual pension by up to £328. Over 20 years of retirement, that’s an extra £6,560 making this one of the most valuable moves pensioners can make,” said financial expert Martin Lewis in a recent statement.

Who Is Eligible?

This top-up opportunity is open to anyone who:

• Was born before 1959
• Has gaps in their NI contribution record between 2006 and 2016
• Has not yet reached the full 35 years required for the new full State Pension (or 30 years for the basic State Pension)
• Is not already receiving the maximum pension amount

You can check your eligibility and current record using the government’s online tools.

How Much Could You Gain?

According to the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), the cost of topping up one full NI year is approximately £824. In return, pensioners could see a permanent increase in their State Pension of up to £328 per year for each year bought.

This means:

Years Topped Up	Annual Pension Increase	Lifetime Boost (20 years)
1 year	£328	£6,560
2 years	£656	£13,120
3 years	£984	£19,680

This top-up scheme can therefore be an extremely cost-effective way to improve retirement income especially for those expecting to live into their 80s or beyond.

Deadline: April 5, 2025

The UK government has set a strict deadline for voluntary contributions. Anyone who wants to fill gaps going back to 2006 must do so by April 5, 2025.

After this date, you will only be able to go back six years, significantly reducing your ability to boost your pension retroactively.

The extension was originally announced in 2023 to give people more time, especially in the wake of confusion and high demand. But officials have made clear that this will be the final deadline.

Steps to Take Now

If you think you might qualify, here’s what you need to do:

1. Check Your NI Record

Visit the government’s NI Record Checker and log in using your Government Gateway account. This will show how many years you’ve already paid and whether you have any gaps.

2. Review Your State Pension Forecast

Use the State Pension Forecast tool to see how much you’re currently on track to receive and how many qualifying years you need to reach the full amount.

3. Call the Future Pension Centre

Before paying anything, contact the Future Pension Centre to discuss your situation. They can confirm whether paying for a specific year will benefit you financially. Not all gaps are worth filling, especially if you’ll already reach the full pension amount through future work or credits.

4. Make Voluntary Contributions

If advised, you can then make Class 3 NI contributions for the years in question. These are made directly to HMRC. Details on how to pay can be found here.

Important Notes

• Check before paying: Not everyone will benefit from topping up. If you’re already due the full State Pension, extra contributions will make no difference.
• Consider your life expectancy: The financial return on your top-up depends on how long you live. Typically, the “break-even” point is around 3–4 years into retirement.
• Seek professional advice: A financial adviser or pension specialist can offer personalised guidance if you’re unsure.

Real-Life Impact

According to recent reports, thousands of pensioners have already taken advantage of this scheme, and many have found it to be a lifesaver in retirement planning.

I didn’t realise I was missing years from when I raised my children. After topping up three years, I now get nearly £1,000 more a year. It was well worth it.”

Final Thoughts

The DWP’s offer to boost your State Pension by topping up old National Insurance years is a golden opportunity — especially for those born before 1959.

With a relatively small investment, pensioners could secure thousands in extra income throughout retirement. But the April 5, 2025 deadline is fast approaching, so acting early is crucial.