NI gap &
state pension calculator
A single missing NI year costs roughly £900 to buy and can return over £6,000 across a 20-year retirement. One of the best risk-adjusted investments available anywhere.
Guaranteed income
The state pension is index-linked and paid for life. Over £12,000 a year at the full rate.
ROI calculator
See the return on buying missing years. Often recouped in under 3 years.
10-year threshold
You need minimum 10 qualifying years for any state pension at all.
National Insurance gap calculator
Find out if buying voluntary National Insurance years could boost your state pension — and how long it takes to get your money back.
Check your NI record on GOV.UK to find this. You need 35 years for the full state pension.
Currently 66, rising to 67 between 2026 and 2028. Check yours on GOV.UK.
The number of missing years you're considering buying back (0-10).
The 2025/26 Class 3 voluntary NI rate is £907.40. Older years may cost less.
State pension by qualifying years
£11,973/year
£10,263/year
£6,842/year
£3,421/year
£0/year
Common questions
How much is the full state pension?
The full new state pension is £230.25 per week (£11,973 per year for 2025/26). You need 35 qualifying years of National Insurance contributions for the full amount. With 10-34 years you get a proportional amount.
How much does it cost to buy a missing year?
A Class 3 voluntary NI contribution for 2025/26 costs £907.40 per year. Each year you buy adds approximately £6.58 per week (£342 per year) to your state pension. That's roughly a 3-year payback.
Can I claim state pension from abroad?
Yes. You can claim UK state pension from almost anywhere in the world, provided you have enough qualifying years. However, the amount may be frozen (not index-linked) in some countries outside the EEA.
Critical for immigrants
- You need minimum 10 years for ANY state pension
- Many people leave after 7-9 years of work
- Buying 1-3 extra years could unlock a lifetime of income
- State pension can be claimed from most countries
- Check your NI record on GOV.UK before you leave
Issues with your state pension or NI record?
If HMRC or DWP has made errors on your NI record or state pension forecast, we can help you challenge it.
Start your free complaint