More than two million pensioners across the UK are missing out on the full state pension, with some getting less than £115 a week, new figures show.
Around 45 per cent of those claiming the new state pension are missing out on thousands of pounds each year.
According to the latest DWP figures, more than two million pensioners are receiving less than the full new state pension, which stands at £11,973 a year, or £230.25 a week for 2025/26.
Even more concerning, over 200,000 pensioners are receiving less than half the full new state pension, which is less than £115 a week, and many don’t realise they could increase their income by filling gaps in their National Insurance record.
Research by retirement firm Just Group found that one in four people over the age of 66 are unaware they can pay to cover missed National Insurance years and boost their pension entitlement.
To receive the full new state pension, individuals need 35 qualifying years of National Insurance contributions. At least 10 years are required to receive any payments at all. However, fewer than six in 10 people of state pension age fully understand these rules, according to the study.
The state pension remains a vital source of income for millions of households in later life. Around 13 per cent of over-66s rely on it for more than 90 per cent of their monthly income, while 44 per cent say it makes up more than half.
Stephen Lowe, group communications director at Just Group, described the state pension as "the bedrock of retirement finances in the UK," emphasising that millions miss out on the full amount due to insufficient qualifying years.
The Government’s online state pension forecast helps users see how much state pension they could get, when they can claim, and whether they can boost their income by paying to fill missing years.
Individuals can also verify their National Insurance record through the Government's online service, which displays contributions up to the current tax year's start.
The tool indicates whether gaps affect state pension eligibility and calculates how voluntary contributions might increase future payments.
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Voluntary Class 3 National Insurance contributions allow people to purchase up to six previous tax years.
Costs vary by year, ranging from £795.60 for 2020/21 to £923 for 2025/26. Each additional year purchased adds 1/35th to the state pension, potentially worth £340 annually or £6,800 over two decades.
Lowe said: "For some, it may make sense to pay extra to make the contributions voluntarily and retrospectively for the previous six tax years. The extra income over the course of a retirement may offset the initial cost of these contributions."
Free National Insurance credits offer an alternative route to filling contribution gaps without cost. These credits apply to periods of unemployment, illness, or when providing unpaid care for family members.
Parents or guardians registered for child benefit with children under 12 can receive automatic credits. Those on statutory sick pay, maternity leave, or serving jury duty also qualify. Credits can even apply to those wrongly imprisoned or fostering children.
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Those on statutory sick pay, maternity leave, or serving jury duty also qualify
Lowe added: "For others who may have spent time out of the workforce on maternity leave or providing care for loved ones, for example, they may be eligible to claim NI credits which can help fill in gaps and build extra State Pension income for free."
Whilst some credits apply automatically, manual claims may be necessary to ensure they appear on records. Determining whether voluntary contributions prove worthwhile depends on individual circumstances.
Alice Haine, personal finance analyst at Bestinvest by Evelyn Partners, cautioned that younger workers might reach the 35-year threshold naturally through employment, making early top-ups unnecessary.
Higher earners should consider potential tax implications, as additional state pension income could push them into higher tax brackets. Health considerations also matter, as poor life expectancy might prevent individuals from recouping their investment.
Those seeking guidance can contact the Future Pension Service on 0800 731 0175 before reaching state pension age, or the Pension Service on 0800 731 0469 afterwards. Citizens Advice provides assistance with Pension Credit queries.
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The Government’s online state pension forecast tool is especially useful for checking if voluntary contributions could increase future payments
"The Government provides a range of free resources to help people understand the rules and available help as well as the options for their specific circumstances," Lowe added.
The Government’s online state pension forecast tool is especially useful for checking if voluntary contributions could increase future payments. To use the service, individuals must sign in via the GOV.UK website and may need to verify their identity using a passport or driving licence.
The tool is not available to those already receiving the state pension or who have chosen to defer it. Since the state pension age is regularly reviewed, the date someone becomes eligible may also change in future.