Older Britons are being urged to address potential shortfalls in their National Insurance record to boost their state pension payments, following research from retirement specialist Just Group.
A survey commissioned by the firm found that one in four adults aged over 66 years old are unaware they have the option to ensure they receive the full state pension once they eventually retire.
The research also revealed that an additional 10% of respondents were uncertain about this possibility. To qualify for the maximum new state pension, individuals must have accumulated at least 35 years of qualifying National Insurance contributions, while a minimum of 10 years is required to receive any payment at all.
Fewer than six in ten pensioners understood how many contribution years were necessary to secure the full entitlement. Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) figures show that of the 4.5 million pensioners currently receiving the new State Pension, nearly half are not getting their full entitlement.
Millions at risk of state pension shortfall as Britons ‘do not receive the full amount’
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This amounts to slightly over two million people missing out on the maximum annual payment of £11,973 for the 2025/26 tax year. More than 200,000 claimants receive less than half of the full state pension amount.
The financial significance of these payments cannot be understated. Just Group’s research found that for roughly one in seven over-66s, the state pension constitutes more than 90 per cent of their monthly household income.
Nearly half of respondents said it represented over 50 per cent of their household finances.
Those who have gaps in their National Insurance record can address them by purchasing voluntary class three contributions, though this option is limited to the preceding six tax years.
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Alternatively, individuals who have not yet started claiming their State Pension may be eligible for National Insurance credits to fill gaps without any cost.
These credits are available to people who have taken time away from employment for various reasons, including maternity leave, periods of unemployment, illness, or providing care for family members.
The Labour Government offers free resources to help people navigate the rules and understand what assistance may be available for their particular circumstances.
Stephen Lowe, group communications director at Just Group, described the findings as a useful prompt for people to examine their National Insurance record prior to claiming their pension.
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“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.”
Mr Lowe urged prospective claimants to verify whether they would receive the full new state pension and review their record for any gaps that could be addressed.
Thousands of state pensioners across the country are failing to claim additional benefits worth substantial sums each year from the DWP.
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GETTYHere is a full list of the benefits available for older Britons:
- New state pension
- Basic state pension
- Additional state pension
- Pension Credit
- Attendance Allowance
- Free and/or discounted TV licences
- Winter Fuel Payments
- Cold Weather Payments
- Warm Home Discount
- Council tax assistance.
