The UK Government’s ‘Check your State Pension Forecast’ digital service makes it easy to see how much State Pension you could get, when you can claim it, and whether you need to make up any National Insurance (NI) gaps.
You can use this service on the official GOV.UK website: Check your State Pension forecast – GOV.UK. To log in, you’ll need your Government Gateway ID or you can create one if you haven’t used it before.
What Is the State Pension Forecast Service?
The enhanced Check Your State Pension Forecast tool is a joint service by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It offers a full digital experience, helping you:
- View your estimated State Pension amount.
- See your State Pension age.
- Identify gaps in your National Insurance record.
- Learn how to make voluntary contributions to boost your payments.
This online service is available to most people under State Pension age.
How to Check Your State Pension Online
Step 1: Visit the GOV.UK Website
Go to www.gov.uk/check-state-pension.
Step 2: Sign In or Create an Account
You’ll need to sign in with your Government Gateway ID or register for one if it’s your first time.
Step 3: View Your Forecast
Once logged in, you’ll see:
- How much State Pension you’re on track to get.
- The date you can start claiming.
- Whether your forecast is below the full rate, and if so, how to improve it.
Step 4: Review Your National Insurance Record
Your record shows each tax year’s contributions. If there are incomplete years, your pension may be lower. These gaps can usually be filled with voluntary contributions or National Insurance credits.
How to Check for Gaps in Your National Insurance Record
If you’ve taken a career break, worked abroad, earned a low income, or been self-employed, you might have missed some National Insurance years.
You can view your full record using the same online service. The site lists which years are complete and which have missing or partial contributions.
If you live abroad, you can request a printed National Insurance statement by contacting HMRC at:
National Insurance Contributions and Employers Office
HM Revenue and Customs
BX9 1AN
Or call 0300 200 3500 (UK) or +44 (0)191 203 7010 (outside the UK).
How Far Back Can You Pay Voluntary Contributions?
Usually, HMRC allows you to pay voluntary National Insurance contributions for the past six tax years.
However, under transitional arrangements, you can currently fill gaps from April 2006 to April 2016. The deadline to make these payments has been extended until 5 April 2025.
HMRC has confirmed that all voluntary contributions paid before 5 April 2025 will be accepted at 2022–23 rates, making it more affordable to top up.
How to Make Voluntary National Insurance Payments
You can pay voluntary contributions if you have gaps that could reduce your pension. Here’s how to do it:
- Contact the Future Pension Centre
- Call 0800 731 0175 (UK) or +44 (0)191 218 3600 (abroad).
- If you already claim the State Pension, contact the Pension Service on 0800 731 0469.
- Get a Quote
- HMRC will confirm how much it will cost and how it could affect your State Pension.
- You’ll receive an 18-digit reference number to make your payment.
- Make Your Payment
- Payments can be made online, by bank transfer, or at your bank.
- Once processed, the purchased years will appear in your National Insurance record.
Can I Make Voluntary Contributions Online?
Yes. HMRC has launched an online payment system to speed up the process. This is especially useful since demand for help via HMRC’s helplines remains high.
All voluntary NIC payments made online before 5 April 2025 will still be accepted at the 2022–23 rates.
Is It Worth Topping Up My State Pension?
If you don’t yet have 35 full qualifying years, it may be worth paying voluntary contributions. Each full year of National Insurance adds around £6.58 a week (or £342 a year) to your State Pension.
However, topping up is not always necessary — especially if you expect to reach the full entitlement before retirement. Some people can fill gaps for free using National Insurance credits if they are:
- Caring for a child or a disabled person,
- Receiving Jobseeker’s Allowance,
- On statutory sick pay, or
- Receiving maternity or paternity benefits.
What to Do If You’re Underpaid
Thousands of retirees are underpaid their State Pension due to missing records or system errors, particularly among married women, widows, and divorcees.
If you suspect you’ve been underpaid:
- Check your National Insurance record for missing years.
- Contact the Pension Service for clarification.
- If the person underpaid has died, their family or heirs can still claim the difference by providing details such as date of birth, death, and last-known address.
How Often Should I Check My State Pension Forecast?
You should review your State Pension forecast every year to stay up to date with your contributions and identify gaps early. This also helps you plan other retirement income sources such as private or workplace pensions.
Key Takeaways
- You can check your State Pension forecast online at GOV.UK.
- Review your National Insurance record for missing years.
- You can pay voluntary contributions for up to 6 years (or back to 2006 under current rules).
- Deadline: 5 April 2025 for extended top-ups at 2022–23 rates.
- Contact the Future Pension Centre or HMRC for personalised advice.
