Martin Lewis urges particular age group to take a position £825 for potential £5,400 increase
Cash expert Martin Lewis has issued an urgent call to action for Brits under the age of 73 to invest £825 immediately.
The telly star, 52, told fans they have just six months left to buy back any missing National Insurance in the years from 2006 to 2019. For every £825 they pay into the scheme, they could get £5,400 added to their state pension pot.
But writing in his Money Saving Expert newsletter, Martin warned it can be a time-consuming process.
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He wrote: “This is your 6mth warning! For each £825 or less you pay to buy National Insurance years, many gain £5,400+, but much closes in April. It’s the MOST LUCRATIVE thing many under age 73 can do, some gain £10,000s.
(Image: Getty Images)
But BirminghamLive reports the financial wizard warned: “The process ain’t quick, so check it now.”
He went on to explain the ‘new’ State Pension was introduced in 2016, for all men born after April 5, 1951, and women born after April 5, 1953. To claim the full amount, they need roughly 35 qualifying National Insurance years.
These can be earned through work, looking after children and via some benefits – but many people will have missed some without realising it. This can be through years abroad, low incomes, career breaks or not claiming credits.
Martin said: “While ‘boosting your State Pension’ doesn’t sound sexy, this is about big money, and we’ve had huge successes from here and my TV show.”
(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Money Saving Expert reader Cheryl reached out with her success story, writing: “Thank you so much for making the nation aware of the National Insurance buyback. I’d been unaware my 36 years didn’t entitle me to a full State Pension (some had been contracted out).”
She continued: “I’ve now paid for 7 extra years, which will gain me £40,000 – £50,000 depending on lifespan. A huge thank you.”
Candidates should visit the HMRC website to find out if they need to pay Voluntary National Insurance contributions. While some may be able to apply online, others will have to call the department directly.
Martin wrote: “Transitional arrangements from 2016 let you buy back years to 2006, rather than just the usual ‘back six years’. They were due to end in April 2023, but the deadline was twice extended, as very heavy demand left phone lines jammed.
“The over-demand phone risk is back in the deadline run-up, hence this early warning.”
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