• On employment and support allowance, or 'unemployability supplement' or allowance • Over 18 and Jobcentre Plus sent you on a government-approved training course lasting up to a year 3. Should you pay to boost your state pension? Now there is the question. You have a window of opportunity until April 2023 to boost your state pension and then the gaps you can go back and top up will reduce to 6 years. However, it is not always a simple decision. If you are close to state pension age, are no longer working and therefore cannot get 35 qualifying years anywhere else, plus you have less time to wait until the pension payments start, then it could be a no brainer. If you are younger, then it’s a tougher decision. You may work and complete the required years before retirement anyway and therefore you will have paid for no reason. You may die before your state pension and not see the benefit of it. The younger you are, the more likely you will work the required amount, but what the future holds is something no one knows so it must be personal decision. Anyone under 45 for example should have enough time to top up unless you are sure you won’t make them up, for example if you move abroad or stop work early and are not entitled to any of the other credits. Buying national insurance years can vary in costs depending on whether it’s a full year you are topping up, you’re self-employed or it’s the previous two years but as a guideline it costs £824. However, it adds up to an extra £275pa which means, if you live for at least 3 years of receiving the increased income, you’d be in a profit. You could look at life expectancy projections to see if you think it’s going to be worth it, but it must be a personal decision and take your own health and future into account. You also must be aware that not everyone would get this full benefit, if you are a higher rate taxpayer there will be tax on the additional income elsewhere from the state pension, using more of your personal allowance and low earners might be better with pension credit. Make sure you do your research for your own circumstances before making a decision. This is an overview of the changes that are coming but you need to make sure to speak to the Pension services available to get an accurate picture for you personally. If you are not at state pension age, call the Future Pension Centre – 0800 731 0175 If you are already at state pension age, call the Pension Service – 0800 731 0469. If you have decided to buy extra years, which you can do in one go or over time then you will need an 18-digit reference number from HMRC which you can get over the phone. You then need to pay through your bank to HMRC or by cheque. This process can take a few weeks so don’t leave it until the last minute to action. Also, please note that if you are