"Before people claim the State Pension, we’d urge them to check if they will actually receive the full amount and, if not, to review their NI record to see where they have gaps"
- Stephen Lowe - Just Group
A quarter of pensioners over the age of 66 are unaware that they can increase their State Pension by filling gaps in their National Insurance (NI) record, according to new research from retirement specialist Just Group. A further 10% said they were unsure.
To receive the full new State Pension, individuals typically need at least 35 qualifying years of NI contributions. A minimum of 10 years is required to receive any amount. However, the research found that just 57% of those over State Pension age knew how many years were needed to receive the full entitlement.
Department for Work and Pensions figures show that while 4.5 million people are receiving the new State Pension, 45%—around 2 million people—are not receiving the full amount, which stands at £11,973 for 2025/26. More than 200,000 recipients receive less than 50% of that total.
The research also found that for 13% of pensioners over the age of 66, the State Pension accounts for more than 90% of monthly household income. For 44%, it represents more than half.
Gaps in NI records can be filled by paying voluntary Class 3 NI contributions, although this is only possible for the previous six tax years. Alternatively, individuals may be able to claim NI credits for periods spent out of the workforce due to reasons such as maternity leave, unemployment, illness or caring responsibilities.
Stephen Lowe, group communications director at Just Group (pictured), urged individuals to check their records before applying for the State Pension.
“The State Pension is the bedrock of retirement finances in the UK, and for many people represents the majority of their income,” he said.
“However, millions of people do not receive the full amount because they have not built up enough qualifying years of National Insurance contributions."
“Before people claim the State Pension, we’d urge them to check if they will actually receive the full amount and, if not, to review their NI record to see where they have gaps."
He added, “For some, it may make sense to pay extra to make the contributions voluntarily and retrospectively for the previous six tax years. The extra income over the course of a retirement may offset the initial cost of these contributions."
“For others who may have spent time out of the workforce on maternity leave or providing care for loved ones, for example, they may be eligible to claim NI credits, which can help fill in gaps and build extra State Pension income for free.”
