The two departments launched a joint service earlier this year allowing citizens to check their state pension forecast, and take steps make payments to cover any gaps in qualifying years

As the deadline nears for citizens to close long-standing gaps in their National Insurance contributions, two major departments are taking steps to bolster their digital and telephone support services.

Until 5 April 2025, citizens can make voluntary NI payments to cover for any years from 2006 onwards in which they did not make sufficient contribution to qualify for State Pension entitlement. To receive the full State Pension amount, citizens are required to rack up 30 qualifying years in NI contributions – or equivalent credits offered to those claiming benefits or with caring responsibilities.

In April of this year, an online service – jointly operated by HM Revenue and Customs and the Department for Work and Pensions – was launched to enable users to view their State Pension forecast. This include the ability to see any gaps in contributions, and make payments to address them.

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Alongside the new digital tool, government offered a year-long window for citizens to make annual NI contributions for all years going back to 2006. Once this window closes, the system will revert to only accepting contributions for the preceding six years.

With just a few months left until this happens, HMRC and the DWP are preparing for heavy usage of their services, according to exchequer secretary to the Treasury, James Murray. The two departments are increasing online functionality, and taking steps to boost the capacity of telephone support, he added.

“The Future Pensions Centre and the National Insurance helpline remain in place for customers who are unable to use the online service, as well as customers who prefer that route or who need additional assistance,” the minister said. “Both departments are putting in place measures to manage the expected demand in the run-up to the 5 April 2025 deadline, including managing the deployment of resources, the use of callbacks, digitising and improving forms for overseas individuals, interactive voice response messaging and directing customers to the digital service.”