DWP warns state pensioners over HMRC imposing 'deadline' on them

The Department for Work and Pensions has explained the exact date state pensioners need to top up their National Insurance contributions for a boost. The DWP says pensioners thinking of topping up their NI contributions to act before April 2025.

Labour Party MP Graeme Downie asked in Parliament if the Chancellor had considered the "adequacy" of the April 2025 deadline, now just five months away. Treasury minister, James Murray, said: "Since the deadline extension to support customers, the online Check your State Pension forecast was enhanced and launched on 29 April 2024.

"New functionality enables the majority of working age customers to view their payable gaps and make payments online." He added that the National Insurance helpline is still running for those who cannot pay online or who need "additional assistance".

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He said: "Previous deadlines have resulted in significant telephone demand. HMRC is putting in place measures to manage the expected demand in the run-up to the 5 April 2025 deadline, including managing the deployment of resources, the use of interactive voice response messaging and directing customers to the digital service."

You’ll need 10 qualifying years on your National Insurance record to get any new State Pension. A qualifying year is one in which you were working and made National Insurance contributions, getting National Insurance credits for example if you were unemployed, ill or a parent or carer and paying voluntary National Insurance contributions.

You might also qualify if you’ve lived or worked abroad or paid reduced rate National Insurance for married women. The qualifying years on your National Insurance record affect how much State Pension you get. Your new State Pension is usually based on your own National Insurance record.

In some cases you might inherit State Pension or increase it through a spouse or civil partner.