HMRC issues warning to state pensioners who were born after 1951

HMRC has issued a stern warning to state pensioners born after 1951. Pensioners have been urged act ahead of a looming deadline that could boost their pension, with just five months to buy back any gaps in National Insurance contributions.

People have until 5 April 2025 to maximise their state pension by making voluntary National Insurance contributions (NICs) to fill any gaps in their NICs record between 6 April 2006 and 5 April 2018. The service enables people to check if they have gaps in their NICs record, calculate if making a payment would increase their state pension, and then make a payment if they wish to do so.

HMRC data shows 51% of taxpayers topped up one year of their NICs record, the average online payment is £1,193 and the largest weekly State Pension increase is £107.44. After the 5 April 2025 deadline, people will only be able to make voluntary contributions for the previous six tax years, in line with normal time limits.

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This doesn't apply to men born before April 5, 1951 and women born before 5 April 1953 - who will be on the old State Pension. One woman who listened to Martin Lewis' podcast on the incoming deadline, paid up to £5,000 (it could have been less) to increase her State Pension by £2,550 a year. If she lives for 20 years after the qualifying state pension age, she'll see a boost of £51,000.

"We want pensioners of today and tomorrow to enjoy the dignity and support they deserve in retirement," said Pensions Minister Emma Reynolds. "That's why I urge everyone to check if they could benefit by filling gaps before the deadline passes. Using our online tool means only a few clicks could make a huge difference to your future."

Finance analyst Alice Haine said: "Plugging gaps can be quite an expensive process, so it is important to assess whether you actually need to buy back any missing year. This will depend on how many more years you plan to work, and whether you are eligible for NI tax credits, which fill the gaps, such as those who have been sick, were unemployed or took time out to raise a family or care for elderly relations."