If you’re nearing retirement age or already claiming your State Pension, there’s some good news from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). A lesser-known opportunity could help you increase your State Pension by as much as £3,900 per year — but only if you take the right steps in time.
Let’s break it down in simple, straightforward English so you know exactly what this is, how it works, and whether you’re eligible.
What is the £3,900 Pension Boost?
This boost comes from voluntary National Insurance (NI) contributions. By filling in gaps in your NI record — especially if you’ve taken time off work, moved abroad, or were self-employed without paying full Class 2 or 3 contributions — you may qualify for a bigger State Pension.
The maximum full new State Pension in 2025 is around £221.20 per week, which adds up to £11,502.40 per year. But not everyone gets the full amount — it depends on how many qualifying years of NI contributions you have.
By making voluntary payments to cover missing years, some people can increase their pension by up to £75 per week, which is nearly £3,900 more per year.
Why This Opportunity Matters Now
The government has temporarily extended the deadline to backdate NI contributions as far back as 2006 — something that wasn’t always possible before. Normally, you can only go back six years, but this extended offer means you might be able to cover up to 10 more years, depending on your situation.
But this window won’t be open forever. The current deadline is 5 April 2025. After that, the rules will go back to normal — and you’ll lose the chance to top up older years.
Who Should Consider Topping Up?
Here’s who may benefit from checking their NI record and considering a top-up:
- People aged between 45 and 70
- Anyone who lived abroad or didn’t work full-time in the UK for some years
- Self-employed workers who didn’t pay full contributions
- Carers, part-time workers, or those who had career breaks
- Women affected by the gender pension gap
It’s especially worth checking if you’re not on track to receive the full State Pension. Even if retirement feels far away, filling the gaps early can save you money and increase your income for decades.
How to Check If You’re Eligible
It’s quite simple to start:
- Check your National Insurance record: Visit the UK Government website and log in to your HMRC account to view your NI contributions history.
- Find out your State Pension forecast: This will show what you’re currently on track to receive, and how many qualifying years you still need.
- Contact the Future Pension Centre: They can guide you on whether making voluntary contributions will actually increase your pension. In some cases, topping up won’t help if you already qualify for the full amount.
How Much Does It Cost to Top Up?
In the 2024/25 tax year, the cost to buy one missing NI year is £824.20 (for Class 3 contributions). That might sound like a lot upfront, but if that single year adds £275+ per year to your pension for life, you’ll get that money back in just a few years — and then keep gaining.
Some people can even break even in just four years, and everything after that is profit.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Don’t rush to pay before checking — not everyone will benefit equally.
- Some people may be able to fill the gap for free, for example through NI credits for carers or Universal Credit claimants.
- Always speak to the Future Pension Centre before paying to avoid wasting money.
Final Thoughts
This DWP pension boost is a golden opportunity to secure your financial future — especially as retirement costs continue to rise. If you have gaps in your National Insurance record, now’s the time to act.
Don’t miss the chance to boost your pension by nearly £4,000 every year, just by making the right move before the April 2025 deadline.