Clarification on National Insurance Contributions Gap Advice

misternadir

Following Martin's suggestion, I contacted the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) before 6 April 2025 regarding my one-year gap in National Insurance contributions for 2010–2011. According to the DWP, I am short by £507.21 for that year. However, the agent advised that it may not be necessary to pay this gap if I continue working for at least 10 more years within my remaining 18-year qualifying period.
Could someone confirm if this advice is correct? I want to ensure I’m making the best decision for my future State Pension eligibility.

Many thanks.

Dazed_and_C0nfused

misternadir said:

Following Martin's suggestion, I contacted the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) before 6 April 2025 regarding my one-year gap in National Insurance contributions for 2010–2011. According to the DWP, I am short by £507.21 for that year. However, the agent advised that it may not be necessary to pay this gap if I continue working for at least 10 more years within my remaining 18-year qualifying period.
Could someone confirm if this advice is correct? I want to ensure I’m making the best decision for my future State Pension eligibility.

Many thanks.

Not without more details of your current entitlement and NI record.

molerat

It sounds like DWP told you that you have another 18 years before retirement and need another 10 years to reach the full amount so there is no point in paying for that gap as you have plenty of time ahead.  If it was only a few £s then it may have been worth it for an extra one in the bag but not at that price unless it was absolutely necessary.  Obviously need more details to be certain - what is your current amount to April 2025 and when do you reach state retirement ?.

p00hsticks

misternadir said:

Could someone confirm if this advice is correct? 

Only if you can share the (redacted) details of what your State Pension forecast says..
Check your State Pension forecast - GOV.UK

misternadir

My projected weekly pension amount stands at £107.63. I will be retiring in the year 2043.

Ordinary_Yet_Unique

No point in topping up the gap if you need 10 more years but have another 18 years to go until state pension age. 

molerat

misternadir said:

My projected weekly pension amount stands at £107.63. I will be retiring in the year 2043.

With that current amount you need another 19 years to reach the max so something is not right.  Which month do you reach retirement ?

misternadir

molerat said:

misternadir said:

My projected weekly pension amount stands at £107.63. I will be retiring in the year 2043.

With that current amount you need another 19 years to reach the max so something is not right.  Which month do you reach retirement ?

If I recall correctly, I was informed that I will reach retirement in April.

Silvertabby

misternadir said:

molerat said:

misternadir said:

My projected weekly pension amount stands at £107.63. I will be retiring in the year 2043.

With that current amount you need another 19 years to reach the max so something is not right.  Which month do you reach retirement ?

If I recall correctly, I was informed that I will reach retirement in April.

When exactly in April.  There's a big difference between on or before 5 April and on or after 6 April.  

QrizB

Silvertabby said:

misternadir said:

molerat said:

misternadir said:

My projected weekly pension amount stands at £107.63. I will be retiring in the year 2043.

With that current amount you need another 19 years to reach the max so something is not right.  Which month do you reach retirement ?

If I recall correctly, I was informed that I will reach retirement in April.

When exactly in April.  There's a big difference between on or before 5 April and on or after 6 April.  

It'll probably be on your birthday, if that helps - and you only need to answer "before the 6th" or "after the 5th", we don't need the precise day!