Missing one year for the Minimum State Pension

Hi there, The next 21st of January i will turn 66 years old, reaching the state pension age. By then i will have worked 9 years in the UK so i will be one year short of the minimum 10 qualifying years. Could i be able to pay the voluntary NI contribution to get the qualifying tax year i have missing to be eligible for the minimum state pension? Thanks very much,

Hi,

You will need to speak to DWP before making any NIC payments to ensure that any gaps you pay will increase your pension entitlement.  

If DWP confirms that paying any gap years will increase your State Pension entitlement, you will need to contact HMRC to obtain an 18 digit reference number to enable you to make  payment and have it recorded against your name.  

Thank you.