HMRC and Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) are encouraging people to act before 5 April 2025 and use the Check your State Pension forecast tool to see if they can increase their retirement income.

The service enables people to check if they have gaps in their National Insurance (NI) record and calculate if making a payment would increase their State Pension, and then make a payment if they wish to do so.

Analysis of the use of the online service shows:

• the majority of customers (51%) topped up one year of their NI record
• the average online payment is £1,193
• the largest weekly State Pension increase is £107.44

After the 5th of April 2025 deadline, people will only be able to make voluntary contributions for the previous 6 tax years, in line with normal time limits.

You can use the Check your State Pension forecast tool by logging onto your online HMRC account or via the free and secure HMRC app. Those without an online HMRC account can register on GOV.uk

For any further help regarding your State Pension, please contact the pension service.

Everyone should be aware of the risk of falling victim to scams and should never share their HMRC login details with anyone. HMRC scams advice is available on GOV.uk