HM Revenue & Customs has recently announced a significant extension to the deadline for paying voluntary national insurance (NI) contributions to top-up state pension entitlements.
Originally set for 5th April, the deadline had already been extended to 31st July due to capacity issues on government helplines.
However, many individuals continue to face difficulties in reaching the relevant authorities, prompting the government to further extend the deadline to 5th April, 2025.
This decision aims to alleviate the high volume of calls and provide additional time for training staff to handle the influx of inquiries.
Steve Webb, partner at LCP, expressed his satisfaction with the extension, emphasizing the complexity of the process and the need for individuals to discuss their options with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) before making any payments. Insufficient phone capacity had prevented many people from seeking guidance and taking advantage of this opportunity.
Although individuals can access their National Insurance records on the government website, the site does not specify which years should be filled. Additionally, it includes prices for years that would not enhance an individual’s state pension.
Therefore, it is crucial for individuals to consult with the DWP Future Pension Centre to determine the most beneficial course of action.
The response from experts in the financial sector has been positive.
Sarah Pennells, consumer finance specialist at Royal London, views the extension as good news. She notes that before the original deadline, the DWP Future Pension Centre received an overwhelming number of calls, highlighting people’s eagerness to address gaps in their NI records.
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Dean Butler, managing director for retail at Standard Life, agrees, commending the extension as a sensible decision that allows sufficient time for individuals to assess the value of topping up their contributions.
It’s important to understand the context of this opportunity.
Since 6th April 2016, the new state pension system has been in effect. Individuals who reached pension age after this date have the chance to fill gaps in their NI records dating back to 2006.
Making voluntary national insurance contributions can have a significant impact on future pension payouts.
Based on the current rates, purchasing a full NI year could boost one’s state pension by £275.08 annually. Over a 20-year retirement period, this could amount to a substantial increase of around £5,500.
The latest decision by the government is a relief to many individuals who have been struggling to navigate the process and handle long call wait times.
The extension particularly impacts individuals aged between 45 and 70 with gaps in their NI records. These individuals are advised to take action and explore whether they can maximise their retirement benefits, provided they can afford to do so.
The government’s decision provides a golden opportunity for individuals to secure a more comfortable retirement and should not be overlooked.
