2 excellent ways you could boost your State Pension

| Category: News

While the State Pension may not be your main source of income in retirement, it’s often an important one. If you’re not on track to receive the full amount, there might be things you could do to boost it.

For 2023/24, the full new State Pension is £203.85 a week, adding up to around £10,600 a year. However, your National Insurance (NI) record will affect the amount you receive.

To claim the full new State Pension, you’ll usually need 35 qualifying years on your NI record. If you have between 10 and 35 years, you’ll normally receive a proportion of the State Pension.

There are many reasons why you may have gaps in your NI record, such as taking time away from work to raise children. If you don’t have the 35 years needed to claim the full amount, reviewing how to boost your State Pension entitlement could be worthwhile.

You can use the government’s State Pension forecast tool to see how much you could receive.

The State Pension may be valuable in retirement for two key reasons.

  1. It provides a guaranteed income. In retirement, your other sources of income may not be reliable, so having a guaranteed base income that will cover essentials could improve your financial resilience. Knowing that you’ll receive the State Pension every four weeks could provide peace of mind.
  2. It increases each tax year. Under the triple lock, the State Pension rises each tax year by at least 2.5%. This can help preserve your spending power throughout retirement, as the cost of goods and services may rise. In 2023/24, pensioners benefited from a record 10.1% increase in the State Pension due to high inflation.

To increase your State Pension, you often need to add more qualifying years to your NI record. Here are two options that could boost your retirement income by thousands of pounds.

1. Claim NI credits if you’re caring for grandchildren

Working parents struggling to balance childcare costs and careers often turn to grandparents or other family members for support. But did you know if you’re under the State Pension Age and provide care for a child under the age of 12 regularly, you could apply for NI credits?

According to Royal London, almost 6 in 10 over-50s aren’t aware NI credits can be claimed as a carer or grandparent.

In fact, it’s estimated that grandmothers could be missing out on more than £6,300 worth of State Pension payments for every year of NI contributions they don’t claim.

There’s no minimum number of hours you need to look after the child.

However, the child’s parent must register for Child Benefit, even if they earn too much to receive it. Child Benefit entitles the parent to an NI credit if they aren’t working or earn a low income. If they aren’t claiming the NI credit, they can transfer it to those providing childcare, such as grandparents.

If you’ve cared for a child under 12 in the past, you may be able to backdate your claim to 2011 and boost your State Pension.

2. Purchase additional qualifying years

The government has extended the deadline for a scheme that allows you to fill in gaps in your NI record until April 2025.

Currently, you can fill in gaps going back to 2006. After the April 2025 deadline, you’ll only be able to fill in gaps from the last six tax years. So, it could be worth reviewing your NI record to identify potential gaps now.

The cost of a full NI year will vary depending on which tax year you’re filling in. However, for some people, purchasing an NI year could pay for itself within a few years of reaching the State Pension Age.

Don’t immediately fill in gaps you find – take some time to work out if it could boost your State Pension first. If you’re still several years away from retiring, will you reach the necessary 35 qualifying years without filling in the gaps?

If you decide to fill in gaps in your NI record, you’ll need to contact HMRC by phone and send the money either through bank transfer or cheque.

Do you have questions about your State Pension and other income in retirement?

We can help you create a retirement plan that combines the State Pension with other sources of income you may have. Please contact us to talk about how you could use your assets to fund your retirement.

Please note:

This blog is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.

Testimonials

Blue Ocean has always given me the help and advice that I feel protects my family’s investments. Not only have we used Blue Ocean for more than 20 years, but the team have always made us feel welcome. Always at the end of the phone for any advice we may need. Many thanks!

Russell Paul David

Rochester, Kent

A client since 2001

Professional and reactive to any questions regarding your investment.

Michael Gould

Kent

A client since 2011

Knowledgeable, approachable and always happy to discuss my issues.

Michael Southall

London

A client since 2018

Very good, friendly advice from a good team.

Stephen Williams

Kent

A client since 2010

Having been a client of Blue Ocean for the past 3-4 years, I can honestly say there is nobody I trust more with regards to my financial future than John and the team. Too good to be true? Not with Blue Ocean!

Liam Ryan

Essex

A client since 2016

I moved my investments to Blue Ocean in 2014. The advice I have received has been more professional and my investments have performed better. The staff are polite and always quick to respond to queries.

Lee Menzies

East Sussex

A client since 2014

I find them very easy to deal with. Extremely knowledgeable and with no pressure.

George Howell

Bexleyheath

A client since 2016

We have used John Doyle and Blue Ocean for over 20 years as our financial adviser for everything from mortgages, pensions, income protection, trusts and investments. His advice has always been realistic, reliable and no-nonsense. He has always understood our requirements and has advised accordingly.

Michaela Franklin

Kent

A client since 1999

Having the benefits of sound financial advice from Blue Ocean for over 20 years, I would recommend them without hesitation.

Andrew Martin

Medway, Kent

A client since 1999

I have been advised by Blue Ocean for the past 21 years, and have always found their service sound, helpful and supportive.

Louise Bober

Kent

A client since 1999

Working with Blue Ocean has enabled myself and my wife to invest our pension savings with the confidence that they are being managed by a professional team of qualified financial advisers. They have been very supportive and responsive when we've requested a detailed analysis of our investment performance and the outcome has been positive in terms of the expected returns. I have recommended family and friends to Blue Ocean and they have been equally very satisfied with the service.

Glen Ridout

Kent

A client since 2011

I love Blue Ocean Hartley! So very helpful and fantastic staff.

Christine Bryant

Dartford, Kent

A client since 2009

I have received honest advice in a relaxed, friendly environment with my personal circumstances paramount.

Janice Hill

Kent

A client since 2009

Honest, well versed, ‘personal touch’ business out to make sure everyone has satisfaction.

John Townsend

Hearn Bay, Kent

A client since 2017

Since we have used John and the team over the years our investments have gone from strength to strength. We’re very happy with the work they have done for us. I am now in a position to retire with no money worries.

Keith Yeates

Kent

A client since 2008

Blue Ocean resolved a difficult situation in a very satisfactory way. The whole staff are extremely friendly and helpful and it was very cost-effective.

Richard Mersh

Kent

A client since 2017

Bespoke service... friendly, helpful staff.

Jane Stevens

Dartford, Kent

A client since 2017

I have known John for over 20 years and have always been satisfied with his integrity, knowledge and reliability. I recommend him to business and family contacts without reserve.

Paul Richardson

Surrey

A client since 2002

Over the past 18 years, I have received very reassuring advice on my investments and always been treated in a friendly but professional manner.

Jacqueline Prosser

Surrey

A client since 2001

We would have no problem whatsoever in recommending the services of Blue Ocean for sound financial appreciation and advice, all handled in a friendly, convivial and concerned manner. Blue Ocean are always looking at how they can go that extra mile for their clients. This is a rare positive commodity in any business environment in today's world. The financial advice is always considered and simply explained in terms of what if and if you invested here etc. There is no pressure put on me to invest in high-risk return possibilities and at all stages the advice given is tailored to the perceived situation of their clients.

Barry William Ednie

Tonbridge, Kent

A client since 2013