Your State Pension forecast shows how much you could receive, when you can claim it, and how to boost it by filling National Insurance gaps.

The Check Your State Pension forecast service provides a way to understand your State Pension entitlement. This is a joint service organised by HMRC and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and is available to most individuals under State Pension age.

The forecast allows users to see:

• The amount of State Pension they could receive.
• The age at which they can start receiving it.
• Options for increasing their State Pension, such as by paying voluntary National Insurance contributions to cover any gaps.

The service also helps identify any shortfalls in National Insurance Contributions (NICs), enabling users to take action now to enhance future pension benefits.

To access the service, go to www.gov.uk/check-state-pension and sign in securely using your Government Gateway credentials. If you don’t have an account, you can easily create one. You may need to verify your identity using a photo ID, such as a passport or driving licence.

For added convenience, you can also check your pension forecast via the HMRC app, providing secure access on the go.

If you are already receiving or have deferred your State Pension, you’ll need to reach out to The Pension Service (UK) or the International Pension Centre (abroad). Regularly checking your State Pension status is important to help maximise your entitlement and to help assess any additional savings or pensions you may need for a comfortable retirement.

The enhanced Check Your State Pension forecast service is available online. The service can be found on GOV.UK at the following webpage https://www.gov.uk/check-state-pension.

The new digital service is a joint service by HMRC and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It has been enhanced to include a fully end-to-end digital solution.

The service allows most people under State Pension age to view their pension forecast and identify any gaps in their National Insurance Contributions (NICs) record. This will be helpful for taxpayers looking to make voluntary NIC contributions to increase their entitlement to benefits, including the State or New State Pension.

Usually, HMRC allow you to pay voluntary contributions for the past 6 tax years. The deadline is 5 April each year. However, there is currently an opportunity for people to make up for gaps in their NICs for the tax years from April 2006 to April 2017 as part of transitional measures to the new State Pension. The deadline has been extended a number of times and has been most recently extended until 5 April 2025.

The launch of HMRC’s online service will help speed up this process. HMRC’s helplines have been struggling to meet the demands for information and processing claims to pay additional NIC contributions.

HMRC has also confirmed that all relevant voluntary NIC payments will be accepted at the rates applicable in 2022-23 until 5 April 2025.

It is advised to regularly check your State Pension position to help optimise your entitlement. You should also consider what other savings or pensions might be required for a long and comfortable retirement.

The enhanced Check Your State Pension forecast service is now available online. The service can be found on GOV.UK at the following webpage https://www.gov.uk/check-state-pension.

The new digital service is a joint service by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It has been enhanced to include a fully end-to-end digital solution.

The service allows most people under State Pension age to view their pension forecast and identify any gaps in their National Insurance Contributions (NICs) record. This will be helpful for taxpayers looking to make voluntary NIC contributions to increase their entitlement to benefits, including the State or New State Pension.

Usually, HMRC allow you to pay voluntary contributions for the past 6 tax years. The deadline is 5 April each year. However, there is currently an opportunity for people to make up gaps in their NICs for the tax years from April 2006 to April 2017 as part of transitional measures to the new State Pension. The deadline has been extended a number of times and has been most recently extended until 5 April 2025.

The launch of HMRC’s online service will help speed up this process. HMRC’s helplines have been struggling to meet the demands for information and processing claims to pay additional NIC contributions.

HMRC has also confirmed that all relevant voluntary NIC payments will be accepted at the rates applicable in 2022-23 until 5 April 2025.

It is worthwhile checking your State Pension position on a regular basis, this will help to optimise your entitlement. You should also consider what other savings or pensions might be required for a long and comfortable retirement.