Topping up after reaching pensionable age

Chris_in_Ashtead

I have a relative who will reach retirement age in the middle of next year. He has fallen short on his NI contributions by a couple of years so will need to top that up to get the full state pension. Unfortunately, it seems he will not have enough money available to do that until just after he qualifies for his pension. My question is, is it still possible to top up after you've reached pensionable age? Obviously he will not get the full pension from day one, but can he top up later and then receive the full pension after his full contributions have been paid?

Silvertabby

Yes, he can - but his pension will only be increased from the date of his payment, and won't be backdated to his SPA.

Also, changing a pension once it's in payment is a hugely complicated procedure, and your relative may have to wait for as much as a year before his payment/increase will be actioned (backdated to date of payment).

Topping up missing State pension years is much easier, quicker and cost effective if it is done pre SPA.  That said, if your relative is going into retirement with a less than 100% State pension and nil savings could he be eligible for pension credits top ups instead? 

TadleyBaggie

Indeed, my wife reached SPA in September 2021 and was 2 and bit years short of a full state pension. This year around February we sent a letter detailing the 2 years that were wanted to be bought, included a cheque for the cost. Took around 6 months before the first revised payment occurred.

Chris_in_Ashtead

TadleyBaggie said:

Took around 6 months before the first revised payment occurred.

Did they also backdate it to the date on which you paid for the missing years.