State pension payments are often relied upon to help people’s finances in retirement. The sum, overseen by the Department for Work and Pensions, is issued every four weeks to those who are eligible. However, as we enter a new year, Britons are being encouraged to check they will receive the right state pension figure.
Consequently, checking a National Insurance record can ensure Britons are on track to get the highest amount possible.
If someone finds they do have gaps in their record, Mr Lowery urged action.
He added: “Those approaching retirement who have had gaps in their National Insurance payment record should check where they stand on the state pension, if they want to receive the new full flat rate.
“This can be done by plugging their NI number into the appropriate page of the GOV.UK website.
“If you have fallen short it might then be possible to top up contributions in order to receive the full state pension when you retire.”
Britons should, however, check whether it is appropriate for them to make voluntary contributions.
This is because, the Government states, it does not always mean a state pension will increase.
For individuals who are already retired, Mr Lowery states it is vital to check people are receiving the state pension they are due.
This is as a result of a number of issues which have recently made themselves apparent.
Mr Lowery highlighted many women are not receiving the state pension they are due as a consequence of underpayment errors exposed in the last two years.
Experts believe this could exceed 100,000 cases, and many could see themselves affected, even if they aren’t aware of the matter.
He added: “Married women who hit state pension age before April 2016, including widows, divorcees and the over-80s – whether married or not – should check if they are receiving the headline state pension payment that they are entitled to (given their year of retirement).
“And if not they should contact the Pension Service.”
The Department for Work and Pensions has stressed lessons have been learned from the matter of state pension underpayments.
Officials have stated they are determined to make sure all those affected are paid by the end of 2023.
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