State pension alert: HMRC warns payments can 'take some time' as man waits three months for £400 top-up
Britons are urged to check if they can boost their state pension by filling gaps in their National Insurance records
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HMRC has issued a response after a taxpayer raised concerns about their £400 National Insurance contribution not appearing on their record after three months.
The customer took to social media platform X to query the missing payment, stating: "I have paid over £400 to add to my contribution years - that was three months ago, it still isn't showing on my record."
HMRC responded: "We're unable to check the timescale here. It can take some time to update - you may want to speak to the NI helpline if you'd like them to check."
Britons are urged to check if they can fill gaps in their National Insurance records, as the April deadline looms.
People to make voluntary contributions to fill gaps dating back to the 2006/2007 tax year before the April 5, 2025 deadline.
This is a huge extension compared to the usual six-year limit for topping up National Insurance contributions.
People to make voluntary contributions to fill gaps dating back to the 2006/2007 tax year before the April 5, 2025 deadline
GETTYAfter the April 2025 deadline passes, people will only be able to make voluntary contributions for the previous six tax years, in line with standard time limits.
HMRC and the Department for Work and Pensions are urging people to act promptly to check if they can increase their retirement income.
The new digital service for topping up National Insurance has seen significant uptake, with more than 10,000 payments worth £12.5million made since its launch in April 2024.
The average online payment stands at £1,193, with some users seeing substantial benefits to their future pension. The largest weekly state pension increase achieved through the service is £107.44.
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Since April, 3.7 million people have accessed the online checking tool on GOV.UK to view their state pension forecast.
Customers can check their state pension forecast by logging into their online account on GOV.UK or via the free HMRC app.
For National Insurance general queries, the helpline can be reached on 0300 200 3500, operating Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm.
Those wanting specific guidance about their future pension can contact the Future Pension Centre on 0800 731 0175, also open Monday to Friday between 8am and 6pm.
A full state pension, currently £221.20 per week, typically requires 35 years of full NI contributions.
The basic state pension, which pays £169.50 weekly, usually needs a similar 35-year contribution record.
Helen Morrissey, head of retirement analysis at Hargreaves Lansdown, has issued an important warning for those considering topping up their National Insurance.
"Check with the Future Pension Centre before handing over any money to make sure you will benefit," she advised.
She highlighted particular concerns for those with specific employment histories: "If you have been contracted out of the state second pension at some point in your working life for instance, you will have paid less National Insurance, which can affect your state pension entitlement."
State pension payments will increase by 4.1 percent next April, raising the full new state pension to £230.30 weekly and the basic state pension to £176.45.
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