State pension top-up: HMRC to contact thousands of people following 5 April deadline error

Thousands of customers were unable to fill gaps in their National Insurance (NI) record and boost their state pension on Saturday, as HMRC incorrectly said the deadline had passed

Clock next to coins
(Image credit: Getty Images/10255185_880)

HMRC has apologised after tens of thousands of people wanting to top up their state pension on 5 April, the last day of a special window to fill National Insurance (NI) gaps between 2006 and 2018, were wrongly told that the deadline had passed.

Saturday, 5 April had been the last chance for customers to buy NI credits dating back to 2006 and boost their state pension. Usually it’s only possible to buy National Insurance credits for the past six tax years.

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Ruth Emery
Contributing editor

Ruth is an award-winning financial journalist with more than 15 years' experience of working on national newspapers, websites and specialist magazines.

She is passionate about helping people feel more confident about their finances. She was previously editor of Times Money Mentor, and prior to that was deputy Money editor at The Sunday Times. 

A multi-award winning journalist, Ruth started her career on a pensions magazine at the FT Group, and has also worked at Money Observer and Money Advice Service. 

Outside of work, she is a mum to two young children, while also serving as a magistrate and an NHS volunteer.