The UK Government has launched an online service for people to check for and fill any gaps in their national insurance (NI) record.
Named the Check your state pension forecast, it is a joint service from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) that show customers by how much their state pension could increase, and details of the voluntary NI contributions they would need to pay to achieve this.
HMRC and DWP said it allows most people under state pension age to view gaps in their NI record and pay voluntary contributions to fill those gaps if it will benefit them.
Anyone with NI gaps in some of their tax years can use the new digital service to choose which years they would like to pay to fill and to pay securely. They will then receive confirmation that their payment has been received and that their NI record will be updated.
The service is available through via GOV.UK or via the HMRC app.
Peace of mind
Nigel Huddleston, financial secretary to the Treasury, said: “Having peace of mind when planning for retirement is crucial to ensure people can enjoy later life. That’s why HMRC has launched this new online service today, making a real difference for thousands of pensioners in their retirement while providing certainty to those in their middle years and those still planning ahead.”
Minister for Pensions Paul Maynard said: “The state pension is the foundation of income in retirement, which is why we have introduced this new online tool to help simplify boosting it for those who are able to. I would encourage everyone to check their state pension forecast and to take a look at how they could improve their state pension award with only a few simple clicks.”
Customers will need to login to the new digital service using their personal tax account login details. Those without an online HMRC account can register on GOV.UK.
