Check your national insurance record before 5 April 2023

Those planning to claim the UK state pension should check their National Insurance (NI) record before 5 April 2023.

Currently, an extension is in place, so voluntary NI contributions can be made to cover gaps as far back as April 2006. From April 2023, the extension will end and the number of years voluntary contributions can be made will revert to just 6 years.

In order for you to receive a full state pension at retirement, you need 35 qualifying years of NI Contributions.

To protect state pensions and other benefits it may be beneficial to make voluntary NI contributions to fill in gaps in your contribution history, potentially increasing the amount of state pension you could receive.

Taxpayers should take the following steps before 5 April 2023:

1. Check your NI record
2. Identify any discrepancies between NI contributions you have made and those showing on HMRC’s system
3. Identify any NI credits that are missing from periods in which they should have been received (eg, on receipt of universal credit or child benefit)
4. Identify any shortfalls in contributions
5. Contact HMRC if you think there are any errors
6. Decide whether to make voluntary NI contributions

If you require any assistance with any of the above, contact our office on 01524 67111.