State Pensioners Receive Extra £18,000 with Simple Two-Word Button

Introduction

Thousands of state pensioners in the UK have received an extra £18,000 by using a simple two-word button as part of a government scheme designed to boost their retirement income. This initiative, originally set to expire earlier, has now been extended until 5 April 2025. If you are eligible, you still have time to claim your rightful benefits.

In this guide, we will explore how this scheme works, who qualifies, and the steps to take to secure your extra pension payments.

What Is the Two-Word Button Scheme?

The scheme allows state pensioners to top up their National Insurance (NI) contributions by making voluntary contributions through a system that can be accessed via an online portal or by contacting the relevant government department. The crucial two-word phrase behind this system is “Voluntary Contributions”, which allows pensioners to fill gaps in their NI record and boost their state pension.

By clicking on the Voluntary Contributions option or applying via phone or post, eligible pensioners can buy additional years of National Insurance contributions, ensuring they receive a higher state pension.

State Pensioners Receive Extra £18,000 with Simple Two-Word Button – Claim by April 2025

How Pensioners Can Get an Extra £18,000

For many pensioners, gaps in their National Insurance record mean they do not qualify for the full state pension. However, through this scheme, they can buy back missing years, increasing their weekly pension payments and resulting in a potential extra £18,000 over time.

Here’s how the numbers add up:

Each additional year of NI contributions can add up to £302.64 per year to a pensioner’s state pension.
If someone purchases 10 missing years, they could receive an additional £3,026 per year.
Over six years, this totals £18,156.

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Who Qualifies for This Pension Boost?

You may be eligible to benefit from this scheme if:

You reached state pension age on or after 6 April 2016.
You have gaps in your National Insurance record between April 2006 and April 2016.
You have not yet claimed your full state pension.
You can afford to make voluntary National Insurance contributions to increase your pension income.

How to Check Your Eligibility

Follow these steps to check if you can benefit from the scheme:

Check Your National Insurance Record
- Visit the official UK government website or use the HMRC helpline.
- Log in to check your NI contributions and identify any missing years.
Use the State Pension Forecast Tool
- The government provides an online calculator to estimate how much state pension you will receive and whether making voluntary contributions is worthwhile.
Decide How Many Years to Buy
- Each year costs approximately £824 for Class 3 NI contributions.
- Consider how many years you need to fill to reach the full state pension amount.
Make Your Voluntary Contributions
- Payments can be made via bank transfer, cheque, or direct debit to HMRC.
- Contributions must be completed before 5 April 2025 to qualify under the extended scheme.

Why Has the Scheme Been Extended?

The government initially set a deadline for this scheme in April 2023, but due to high demand and administrative backlogs, the deadline was pushed to 5 April 2025. This extension allows more pensioners to review their eligibility and make the necessary payments to secure their full state pension.

What Happens After 5 April 2025?

Once the extension period ends, the opportunity to backdate National Insurance contributions for gaps between 2006 and 2016 will no longer be available. However, pensioners will still be able to buy contributions for more recent years under normal rules.

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Conclusion

The Voluntary Contributions scheme presents a crucial opportunity for pensioners to maximize their state pension. With the deadline now extended until 5 April 2025, those who have gaps in their National Insurance record should act fast to determine their eligibility and make their contributions. An investment today could mean an extra £18,000 in retirement income over the coming years.

If you or a loved one qualify, visit the UK government website or contact HMRC for assistance in claiming this benefit before the deadline passes.

FAQs

1. What is the deadline to make voluntary National Insurance contributions?

The deadline to buy back missing National Insurance years between 2006 and 2016 is now 5 April 2025.

2. How much does it cost to buy additional National Insurance years?

The cost for Class 3 voluntary NI contributions is approximately £824 per year.

3. How do I check if I have gaps in my National Insurance record?

You can check your NI record by visiting the UK government website or calling HMRC for assistance.

4. Who benefits the most from this scheme?

Pensioners who have gaps in their NI record and have not reached the full state pension amount benefit the most by increasing their future pension income.

5. What happens if I miss the deadline?

After 5 April 2025, pensioners will no longer be able to buy back missing years from 2006-2016, but they can still make voluntary contributions for more recent years under the normal rules.