The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is asking people to consider if they’ve checked their State retirement age and also thought about how they might be able to increase it. Most of us are not aware that, provided enough contributions are made to National Insurance (NI) record, we could increase the amount of our pension. Here’s how it works.
Who is eligible for the new State Pension?
In the U.K., there are two types of pensions:
- Basic State Pension
- New State Pension
Which pension you will receive depends on your date of birth:
- Men: Born on or after 6 April 1951.
- Women: Born on or after 6 April 1953.
If you were born before these dates, you will be given the Basic State Pension instead of the New State Pension.
What are “qualifying years” for the state pension?
You must have at least 10 qualifying years to get the new state pension.
Qualifying years means:
- You were in employment and made National Insurance (NI) contributions.
- You received NI credits (such as during unemployment, illness, or caring for someone).
- You made voluntary National Insurance contributions.
If you don’t have enough qualifying years, your pension amount may be reduced.
Filling gaps in your National Insurance record
If you have gaps in your NI record, you can make voluntary contributions to fill them. This option is particularly beneficial for people:
- who haven’t worked for a period of time.
- who have lived abroad.
- Those who were self-employed but had low earnings.
The DWP recommends that you check your NI record and try to fill gaps before your retirement age.
Why is it important to check your State Pension now?
If you know your State Pension status in advance, you can:
- Make sure you are eligible for the full State Pension.
- Avoid any financial uncertainty in retirement.
- Take steps now to increase your pension income.
The UK Government has provided an online tool where you can check your State Pension estimate and NI contributions. If you find gaps, you can fill them in time.
Improve your financial future
Many people don’t realise they can check their National Insurance record to top up their State Pension and make Voluntary Contributions if needed. The DWP urges all people approaching retirement to review their eligibility and take the necessary steps.
Check your State Pension status today and prepare for a better retirement.
FAQs
How much is the state pension boost for eligible individuals?
The exact increase varies based on individual circumstances, but eligible recipients may see a noticeable improvement in their payments.
Is the pension boost applicable across the entire UK?
Yes, the DWP state pension boost applies to eligible individuals across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Can I appeal if I don’t receive the pension boost?
If you believe you’re eligible but don’t receive the boost, you can contact the DWP for clarification or to file an appeal.
