Employees have under two months to fill gaps in National Insurance records

Employees have until 5th April to fill any gaps in their National Insurance (NI) records dating back to 2006 to boost their State Pension entitlement.

A minimum of 35 years of NI contributions is required to receive the full State Pension, so anyone who may have gaps should check their record now to consider filling them before the deadline.

After this date, individuals will only be able to make voluntary contributions for the last six years of NI credit.

Currently, NI credits can be purchased for those who are employed, costing £17.45 per week or £907.40 for a full year.

Each extra completed year of National Insurance purchased increases State Pension payments by up to £6.32 per week or £328.64 per year, before any annual increases.

MoneyHelper explained that making voluntary NI contributions is a way to pay a small amount now to receive a larger State Pension in the long run.

For example, paying between £15.30 and £907.40 for one extra NI year could result in receiving over £1,600 if someone lived for another five years and over £6,500 if they lived for another 20 years.

However, as it can take years to recoup the amount paid, individuals should consider how long they expect to receive their State Pension.