Gaps in NI Records

[ToastedWaffle]

For context I'm 36 but I was reading an MSE article aimed at 40+ year olds and above about checking for gaps in NI records so that you can get the maximum state pension when you qualify.

It prompted me to check my NI records and I see I have 2 years of gaps from when i was at uni and working time. In 2007, it says to fill it as a qualifying year I would need to pay £300.

For 2008, it says to have it as a qualifying year I need to pay £600+.

I know that from April next year they are changing the rules so that they will only backdate any unqualifying years up to the past 6 years.

Is it worth me trying to plug these gaps? I have got a long way to go to state pension age so I don't know if I need to.

Any advice greatly appreciated.

I’m about the same age as you and have 2 years of gaps from when I was at university. I’ve not bothered to do anything about it, it told me how many more years I had to work to be fully paid up and I am very likely to be working for at least that number of years. I’d be more concerned if I was a SAHP or planning to retire very early. Not convinced there will still be a state pension left when I’m 68 but that’s another story!

I'm the age the article is aimed at (45) and have 3 years of underpaid, but only have 8 years of contributions left to pay. As there isn't much chance of me stopping work before then (unless I win the lottery, at which point the state pension won't be an issue), or illness (following which I could top up in the future, funds allowing), I'm not topping mine up.

I think it depends on your individual circs (plus if you've the funds to do it anyway).

You need I think 35 years of contributions before state pension age. It sounds as if you'll have this so don't waste your £900!

Ah, silly me! I forgot you only need so many years worth to qualify 🙃.

Currently got 19 full years and I've got another 30 plus years of work ahead of me. Think I'll be okay, I wont bother paying thes contributions 😂