The DWP has issued advice for pensioners who are not getting their full state pension.
In the guidance, the DWP says some can consider adding up to six years of voluntary contributions to top up the amount they get every week or month later in life, if they do not currently qualify for the full state pension of £141.85 a week.
The advice issued applies to men born between April 6 1945 and April 5 1950 and woman born between April 6, 1950, and October 5, 1952.
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Those who reached state pension age between 6 April 2010 and 5 April 2015 and have made at least 20 years of National Insurance contributions can choose to make further voluntary National Insurance contributions of £15.85 a week or £824.20 a year, to top up the number of qualifying years for a state pension. To get a full state pension under the current rules, you need 30 years of National Insurance contributions, either through working or claiming appropriate benefits.
The DWP says : "The weekly cost is £15.85 in 2022 to 2023, or £824.20 a year for each complete year that you buy. The cost may change each year. You may not need to pay for a whole year if you have already paid some contributions or have some credits for the tax year you want to pay for.
"You have up to six years from the date you reached State Pension age to pay voluntary contributions under this opportunity."
Each year you pay will increase your state pension benefit by 1/30th of the full amount. Currently, that works out as an extra £4.73 per week, which should rise with inflation every year.
The DWP says to consider if an improved pension may reduce other benefits you receive or increase the tax you pay, if you are thinking about making voluntary contributions. You should also consider your age and life expectancy when deciding if it will be worth paying in more now to receive more later.
Anybody who has reached pension age and is considering making voluntary contributions is advised to ring the Pension Service on 0800 731 0469.
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