A Government scheme, which offers existing pensioners and those reaching State Pension age after 5 April 2016, a unique opportunity to top-up their State Pension, is ending soon.
For people with gaps in their NI record going back more than six years, the window to fill those gaps will close on 5 April 2023. From 6 April 2023 the number of extra years available to purchase drops to the last six tax years. Therefore, those with missing years in their State Pension contribution record between 2006 and 2017 don’t have much longer to make any voluntary contributions.
This concession applies only to those who come under the new state pension system – those who reach (or have reached) state pension age after 5 April 2016.
Topping up might not be the right answer for everyone, and people should always check with DWP, or a financial adviser if you have one, before taking any action. However, in some cases, buying back missing years can be extremely valuable, and missing out could cost some individuals thousands of pounds.
