Should you buy missing National Insurance years?

Gaps in your National Insurance record can reduce your State Pension for life. Filling them often costs a few hundred pounds a year and can pay back many times over.

How the State Pension works

You usually need 35 qualifying years of National Insurance for the full new State Pension, and at least 10 years to get anything. Each year adds roughly 1/35th of the full amount.

Check your record

Use the HMRC app or the "Check your National Insurance record" service on GOV.UK. It shows each year, whether it counts, and gaps you can pay for with the cost.

Do you need to pay?

Not always. Before paying:

• Check your forecast first. If you'll reach 35 years anyway before State Pension age, extra years may add nothing.
• Check for free credits. Claiming Child Benefit for a child under 12, caring, or some benefits can give you credits without paying.
• Self-employed with low profits? Voluntary Class 2 contributions are usually much cheaper than Class 3.

Is it worth it?

For many people, one year of voluntary contributions costs less than the extra State Pension it adds in a couple of years. If you expect to live well into retirement, it's often one of the best-value moves available. You can normally fill gaps from the last six tax years.

Before you pay

Contact the Future Pension Centre to confirm a year will actually increase your pension. Paying for a year that doesn't help can't always be refunded.

General information, not financial advice. See the "Worth reading" Retirement section for official tools.