Check Your National Insurance Record If You have gaps in your payment record and how to top it up

24th April 2024

Information about National Insurance contributions, qualifying for the State Pension, understanding your National Insurance record and whether you should fill gaps in your record.

ou have until 5 April 2026 to make up for gaps for the tax year 2019 to 2020.

If you want to make voluntary contributions for the tax year 2016 to 2017 or 2017 to 2018, the deadline has been extended.

You have until 5 April 2025 to pay.

You can sometimes pay for gaps from more than six years ago, depending on your age.

You're a man born after 5 April 1951 or a woman born after 5 April 1953
You have until 5 April 2025 to pay voluntary contributions to make up for gaps between April 2006 and April 2016 if you're eligible.

After 5 April 2025 you'll only be able to pay for voluntary contributions for the past 6 years. This may not be enough to qualify for a new State Pension if you have fewer than 4 qualifying years on your National Insurance record. You’ll usually need at least 10 qualifying years in total.

Making up a National Insurance Contributions (NIC) shortfall
It's up to you whether you make up any shortfall.

You should consider carefully whether you need to top up at all.

At the same time, you will need to bear in mind the number of qualifying years required to be eligible for certain bereavement benefits.

You should request a State Pension statement to see if there is any NIC shortfall and decide if you need to make up any gap in your contribution.

If you're unsure, Advice NI or other free advice organisations may be able to help you.

For much more information go HERE