Women approaching State Pension age are being urged not to pay voluntary National Insurance (NI) contributions before April 5, 2025, as they could unnecessarily waste money due to upcoming changes in NI credits.
The warning comes after a change in child benefit rules in 2013 caused many mothers to miss out on NI credits, potentially reducing their State Pension entitlement. However, the government has announced plans to introduce new NI credits from April 2026, meaning many women may receive the credits automatically.
Why Women Could Be Wasting Money on NI Contributions
Key Deadline:
- April 5, 2025 is the last date to voluntarily pay National Insurance gaps from 2006-07 to 2022-23.
- After this deadline, voluntary NI payments will only be allowed for years from 2019-20 onwards.
The Issue:
- Many women unknowingly lost out on NI credits because they opted out of Child Benefit due to the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC).
- The government planned to fix this by allowing parents to claim “credits only” on Child Benefit forms—but many were unaware of this option.
- Now, the government has confirmed a new NI credit category will be introduced from April 2026, likely covering the missing years.
The Risk:
- Voluntary NI contributions are non-refundable, meaning if you pay now and later receive automatic credits, you could lose money unnecessarily.
Who Should Think Twice Before Paying?
Women who:
Had gaps in their National Insurance record due to opting out of Child Benefit.
Are considering paying voluntary NI contributions for missing years.
Could potentially qualify for the new NI credit scheme being introduced in 2026.
Sir Steve Webb, former pensions minister, advises waiting for further government details on the new NI credit rules before making any payments.
What Should You Do?
- Check your NI record online via GOV.UK.
- Wait for more details on the government’s new NI credit scheme before making voluntary payments.
- Seek advice from a pensions expert before paying for missing years.
For further information, contact HMRC or the Pension Service.
FAQ’s
Why are women being warned about filling National Insurance gaps?
Many women missed out on NI credits due to Child Benefit rule changes in 2013. The government will introduce new NI credits in 2026, meaning voluntary payments made now may be unnecessary and non-refundable.
What is the deadline for paying voluntary NI contributions?
The deadline to fill NI gaps from 2006-07 to 2022-23 is April 5, 2025. After this, only gaps from 2019-20 onwards can be filled.
What is the new NI credit category being introduced in 2026?
The government plans to introduce a new category of NI credits for parents who opted out of Child Benefit due to the High Income Child Benefit Charge. Details on eligibility will be confirmed later.
Can I get a refund if I pay voluntary NI contributions now?
No. Once you pay voluntary NI contributions, they are non-refundable. If the new NI credit scheme covers your missing years, you may lose money unnecessarily.
How can I check if I have National Insurance gaps?
You can check your NI record online at GOV.UK or contact HMRC to review your contributions and eligibility for Pension credits.
