In the UK, over 257,000 individuals, including a significant number from Northern Ireland, could be overlooking an opportunity to enhance their state pensions. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has reached out to these people to inform them of possible shortcomings in their National Insurance (NI) records that may influence their eligibility for pensions. This matter primarily pertains to Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP) that was applied to the NI records of those receiving Child Benefit from 1978 to 2000.
HRP helped to decrease the qualifying years necessary for individuals with caregiving duties to receive a full basic State Pension. In 2010, HRP was succeeded by National Insurance credits. A complication arises if Child Benefit applications were submitted prior to May 2000 without including the claimant’s NI number.
As a result, HRP might not have been reflected in their records.
Inspect for NI record discrepancies
HMRC is encouraging those impacted, particularly women approaching or at State Pension age, to examine their NI records for any discrepancies.
They have the chance to rectify these inconsistencies and could enhance their State Pensions at no additional expense. James Murray, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, highlighted the significance of the State Pension. “The State Pension serves as the cornerstone of state assistance for individuals during retirement.”
“We urge people to review their National Insurance records to ensure they receive the pension they are entitled to,” he emphasized. Although HMRC has dispatched letters to the individuals concerned, there is no need for them to wait for this correspondence to take action. An online eligibility checker is accessible, and individuals can also utilize the free, secure HMRC app to confirm their records.
To utilize the online checker and gather further details, please visit the HMRC website.
