If you are a former UK resident now living in Australia, you may still be eligible for the UK State Pension. However, your entitlement depends on your National Insurance (NI) record. If you have gaps in your NI contributions, you may be able to top them up to increase your pension. Recent rule changes have extended the deadline to do this, so now is the time to act.
Are You Eligible?
To qualify for a UK State Pension, you generally need at least 10 years of NI contributions. To receive the full pension, you need 35 years of contributions. If you have lived and worked in the UK but do not have enough years, you may be able to fill in the gaps by making voluntary NI contributions 1.
Current Top-Up Rules
The UK government allows people to make voluntary contributions to cover gaps in their NI record. Normally, you can only go back six years to fill these gaps. However, a special rule allows you to buy extra years beyond this limit, depending on your situation.
Changes to the Top-Up Rules
Previously, people could only top up their NI record for a limited number of past years. But under the temporary scheme, those who reach the State Pension age after April 2016 can pay voluntary contributions to cover gaps dating back to 2006. This gives many people a valuable chance to boost their pension entitlement2.
New Deadline for Top-Ups
The deadline for this extended top-up option was originally set for April 2023 but was later extended due to high demand. The final deadline is now 5 April 20253. After this date, the normal six-year rule will apply again.
Next Steps: What You Should Do
- Check Your NI Record – Visit the UK government website or contact HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) to check how many qualifying years you have.
- Calculate the Cost and Benefit – Paying voluntary NI contributions may increase your pension, but you should check whether it is financially worthwhile.
- Make the Payment – If you decide to top up, arrange payment with HMRC before the 5 April 2025 deadline.
- Confirm the Impact on Your Pension – Once payments are processed, check how much extra pension you will receive.
How to Follow Up with the UK
To get more information or to make a payment, you can:
- Visit the UK government website at www.gov.uk
- Call the International Pension Centre at +44 191 218 7777
- Contact HMRC directly for NI contribution queries at +44 300 200 3500
If you are considering topping up your pension, don’t delay. The extended deadline gives you time, but acting early can help you secure a better financial future in retirement.
The new State Pension: If you’ve lived or worked abroad – GOV.UK
UPDATE: UK State Pension Top-Up Deadline | MP+
Deadline for voluntary National Insurance contributions extended to April 2025 – GOV.UK