Martin Lewis is calling on those approaching retirement to “check” for a state pension payment boost “worth £10,000s” ahead of a looming deadline.
Britons aged 40 to 73 have just three weeks left to check their National Insurance records and potentially raise their entitlement by thousands of pounds.
Martin Lewis is sharing a vital state pension hack “worth £10,000s”
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The founder of Money Saving Expert has issued an urgent warning about this opportunity on his podcast and social media.
“If someone hasn’t checked this yet and is between the age of 40 and 73, without exaggeration it could be worth £10,000s, so check,” Lewis stated on X.
The host of The Martin Lewis Money Show Live emphasised the finality of the deadline, adding: “If you miss it now the door shuts forever on April 5.”
Lewis described this as the “last chance” for many to boost their state pension.
Britons are reminded that the “Check your state pension forecast” service on gov.uk is the quickest and easiest way to check what your pension will be in retirement or the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) app.
Angela MacDonald, HMRC’s second permanent secretary and deputy chief executive, urged everyone “to check and fill any gaps in your National Insurance record from 2006 onwards to boost your State Pension entitlement”.
She added: “Don’t delay – it is quick and easy to check your National Insurance record on GOV.UK and it could help your finances in retirement.”
Individuals can also request a state pension statement using a BR19 form, available online or by calling 0345 3000 168.
To check and buy back National Insurance years, first visit the Government website to review your record. You must request a form by the April 5 deadline, asking for a call back.
A Government spokesperson confirmed: “Our new online tool will mean that savers will be able to make top-up payments after the April 5 deadline, provided they complete the call back request form ahead of that date.”
This ensures no one misses out due to high call volumes as the deadline approaches. The Government has pledged to prioritise resources to manage the expected busy period.
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Jonathan Watts-Lay, the director at WEALTH at work, comments: “Those who have a gap of more than six years in National Insurance contributions, which may include those who have taken a career break, have worked abroad or had time off for child or elderly care, may want to consider filling these gaps in their record now.
“It’s exceptionally important that people get the support needed to understand all their options when approaching retirement.”
Sir Steve Webb, a former pensions minister and partner at LCP, added: “For many people a state pension top-up will be excellent value.”
He shared that it is useful to discuss options with someone who can see your NI record and highlight if topping up some years would be of little value.
