If you were among the thousands locked out of the HMRC online service before the April 5, 2025, deadline to top up your National Insurance (NI) record, you might still have a way to claim your full state pension entitlement.
Money expert Martin Lewis has once again stepped in to offer clarity. His team at MoneySavingExpert.com confirmed that people affected by a technical error on the HMRC website may still be eligible to complete their state pension top-ups—even after the deadline—if they can show evidence of their attempts.
What Was the April 2025 State Pension Top-Up Deadline?
The UK government had set 5 April 2025 at 11:59 PM as the final cut-off for individuals under the age of 73 to buy back missing National Insurance years between 6 April 2006 and 5 April 2018.
These voluntary NI contributions are vital because they can significantly increase your future weekly pension payments. For those with gaps in their NI records, this opportunity represented a rare chance to secure thousands of pounds more over their retirement.
Why the Deadline Was So Important
The state pension system uses your NI record to calculate your entitlement. The more qualifying years you have, the higher your pension payout.
To receive the full new state pension in 2025—currently £221.20 per week—you generally need 35 full years of NI contributions. Many people fall short due to career breaks, self-employment, or time spent living abroad.
Buying back missed years can cost around £800 per year, but this can boost your pension by up to £302 per year, making it a worthwhile long-term investment.
What Went Wrong: HMRC’s Website Glitch
On Saturday, 5 April 2025, around 21,000 users found that the HMRC’s top-up service went offline earlier than expected. Instead of remaining live until midnight, it was taken down prematurely, locking people out of the process.
An HMRC spokesperson has since confirmed that the agency is able to identify users who accessed the site on that date and has apologized for the disruption.
What You Can Do If You Were Affected
Martin Lewis’ team strongly advises affected individuals to keep any evidence of their attempt to use the system—this includes:
-
Screenshots of error messages
-
Confirmation emails from previous interactions
-
Any relevant timestamps or logs
HMRC has promised to contact all impacted users, but if you don’t hear from them, you should proactively reach out via HMRC’s National Insurance helplines or online messaging services.
If you submitted a callback request to the DWP before the deadline, your request should still be honored. That part of the service remained operational despite the glitch.
Current Top-Up Options Available in April 2025
Even if you missed the 2006–2018 window, you can still voluntarily pay for the last six tax years, currently from 2019/20 to 2024/25.
| Tax Year | Voluntary Contribution Eligibility | Estimated Cost Per Year | Estimated Pension Boost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019/20 | Yes | £824 | £302/year |
| 2020/21 | Yes | £824 | £302/year |
| 2021/22 | Yes | £824 | £302/year |
| 2022/23 | Yes | £824 | £302/year |
| 2023/24 | Yes | £824 | £302/year |
| 2024/25 | Yes | £824 | £302/year |
What to Expect from HMRC Moving Forward
HMRC has assured affected individuals that they are actively investigating the issue and will reach out directly. However, there’s no need to wait.
You can take initiative by:
-
Contacting the National Insurance helpline
-
Logging into your personal tax account
-
Requesting an updated State Pension forecast
-
Inquiring about voluntary contribution options
The government recognizes the seriousness of the situation and is expected to allow leeway for those who can demonstrate they were blocked by the error.
Conclusion
If you missed the state pension top-up deadline due to HMRC’s early website shutdown, you’re not out of options. By holding onto evidence and staying proactive, you may still be able to claim the additional years and boost your future pension.
As of April 2025, the government continues to support top-ups for recent years, and discussions are ongoing about accommodating those impacted by technical errors. If this affects you, act quickly—and don’t wait for a letter to arrive.
FAQs
What should I do if I couldn’t access HMRC’s website on 5 April 2025?
Keep any evidence, like screenshots or emails. HMRC says it will reach out to affected users, but you can also contact them directly to explain your situation and request to complete your payment.
Can I still top up for previous years after the deadline?
You can no longer top up for the 2006–2018 period unless you’re covered by the exception due to HMRC’s error. However, you can still buy voluntary contributions from 2019/20 onwards.
How many years of NI do I need for a full state pension?
You typically need 35 qualifying years to receive the full new state pension. Partial pensions are available if you have at least 10 years.
Is buying back NI years worth the cost?
In most cases, yes. You’ll often make back your investment within just a few years of receiving the increased pension.
How can I contact HMRC about this?
You can use the National Insurance section on the gov.uk website, call their helpline, or log into your personal tax account to send a message.
For More Information Click Here
Pari is a passionate writer known for captivating stories that blend imagination and reality. Inspired by travel, history, and everyday moments, Pari crafts narratives that resonate deeply with readers.