The UK government is set to make it easier for people to receive their full State Pension by enhancing the online Check Your State Pension forecast service. This move aims to support those wishing to make voluntary National Insurance contributions to fill gaps in their records and maximise their retirement income.
With the State Pension age scheduled to rise in the coming years, the government’s updated guidance targets both employees and the self-employed, particularly those affected by the High Income Child Benefit Charge.
Improving Accessibility to State Pension Forecasts and Contributions
The UK retirement benefit system is fundamentally linked to National Insurance Contributions (NICs). Currently, a minimum of 10 years of NICs is required to qualify for any public retirement payment, while roughly 35 years of contributions are needed for the full new public pension, which amounts to £230.25 per week, or about £11,973 in the 2025/26 financial year.
For some individuals who were “contracted out” of the additional State Pension, the qualifying criteria may differ.
According to Treasury Minister James Murray, the government will introduce a series of simplified measures to enhance the Check Your State Pension forecast service. This online tool helps individuals review their pension forecasts and identify any gaps in their National Insurance record.
It particularly assists those wishing to make voluntary contributions to top up their pension entitlement before retirement. These improvements are designed to benefit the self-employed, as well as people who are liable to pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC).
From Summer 2025, employed individuals affected by HICBC will have the option to pay this charge directly through PAYE, eliminating the need for self-assessment registration, as confirmed in a written statement to Parliament.
Adjusting to an Increasing State Pension Age
The government also plans to adjust pension policy to reflect changes in life expectancy and workforce demographics. The State Pension age is scheduled to rise from 66 to 67 between 2026 and 2028 for both men and women. A further increase to 68 is anticipated to be phased in between 2044 and 2046, according to reports from the Daily Record.
These changes underline the importance of early pension planning and understanding National Insurance records. The updated Check Your State Pension service aims to equip people with clearer, more accessible information to make informed decisions about voluntary contributions.
By simplifying the process and providing tailored guidance, the UK government intends to reduce uncertainty surrounding State Pension entitlements and encourage more individuals to secure their financial future in retirement.
