The Cosmic Watchdog

Individuals who fail to meet the fast-approaching deadline to enhance their state pension may still have a chance to make voluntary payments beyond next month’s cut-off, it has emerged. However, to utilise this extension, they must file a form by April 5, requesting a callback.

This crucial date has been marked for individuals to assess their national insurance (NI) contributions and address any shortcomings dating back to April 2006. From April 6, the opportunity to pay voluntary NI contributions will generally be restricted to the past six tax years, adhering to the standard time limitations.

Despite the pressures of the deadline, the Government has provided a lifeline, stating that those unable to get through in time can lodge an online callback request via the gov.uk website. This avenue is specially tailored for individuals struggling to reach the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) by phone to finalise their voluntary NI contributions.

On receiving the request, the DWP pledges to phone the individual using the supplied contact number to facilitate payment discussions.

The government’s official portal, gov.uk, clarifies: “If you submit a request by the April 5, 2025 deadline, you will still be able to pay voluntary national insurance contributions after the deadline has passed.”

A Government spokeperson said: “Our new online tool will mean that savers will be able to make top-up payments after the April 5 deadline, provided they complete the call back request form ahead of that date. This will enable us to ensure no one misses out, and to suitably manage demand as the deadline approaches. We also encourage people under state pension age to check whether it is beneficial for them to pay voluntary national insurance contributions by using our online checker.”

The Government insisted that it always allocates resources efficiently for busy periods and will consider its capabilities ahead of the deadline.

Sir Steve Webb, a former Liberal Democrat pensions minister who is now a partner at pension consultants LCP (Lane Clark and Peacock), said: “After the chaos in the run-up to previous deadlines, it is good that the Government has planned ahead to make sure that people do not miss out simply because they cannot get through on official phone lines to discuss state pension top-ups.

“For many people a state pension top-up will be excellent value. But it is useful to be able to discuss your options with someone who can see your NI record and in particular highlight if topping up some years would be of little or no value.

“Whilst it would be better if people could simply call ahead of the deadline and get through, at least there is now the reassurance that those who try to make contact before the deadline will still be able to make payments after the deadline has passed.”