Britons trying to top-up state pensions ahead of a crunch deadline might get an extra fortnight to make payments.
Individual National Insurance records seen by This is Money on the Government website say voluntary contributions for years up to 2016/2017 can be made until 18 April – instead of 5 April.
The Government has not confirmed whether it has extended the deadline for a special offer to buy missing years going as far back as 2006.
But earlier this month phone gridlock already forced it to soften the cut-off date on the deal.
Using a new callback request option before 5 April means even if you don’t hear back from helpline staff before that date, you will still be able to buy missing years going as far back as 2006.
It is unclear how long the callback service will remain available, and This is Money is trying to establish this as well as whether the deadline itself has been pushed back.
Callback request page: This still refers to deadline of 5 April – but NI records we have seen say 18 April
In recent weeks we have received a stream of message from readers trying to top-up before the current deal to fill National Insurance gaps going back 18 years – rather than just six years – runs out.
We have redirected them to the callback page, but many are likely to welcome extra breathing space to make payments until 18 April should this be confirmed.
Buying top-ups can give a generous boost to retirement income if you buy the correct years on your record.
But we receive many complaints from readers about long waits to find out vital information about which years are worth buying, and for payments to get processed.
This is Money’s guide to buying state pension top-ups explains the cost and offers six golden rules on deciding if you should fill gaps by Steve Webb, our retirement columnist.
HMRC is responsible for maintaining National Insurance records, which you must check for gaps in your state pension records, and processing top-up payments.
The Department for Work and Pensions is in charge of revising state pension forecasts or payments after purchases.
Are you trying to buy state pension top-ups by 5 April? Tell us if your NI record says you now have until 18 April, or if Government staff have informed you about an extension.
Write to: pensionquestions@thisismoney.co.uk.
