Don’t Let the Window Close on Your Future Pension—Act Before April 5
UK expats, this is your last chance to plug gaps in your National Insurance (NI) record and boost your state pension. deVere Group, with over 80,000 clients around the globe, is sounding the alarm.
Why the Clock is Ticking
On April 5, HMRC will tighten the reins. The generous 17‑year retroactive look‑back window will shrink to the usual six‑year limit, making it almost impossible to fill in historic NI gaps that could have saved thousands of pounds in pension benefits.
James Green’s Masterplan
- Lock in a low‑cost, inflation‑linked income now, only if you notify HMRC before the deadline.
- Missing contributions from 2006 onward? Cover them with Class 2 voluntary NICs, which cost a fraction of Class 3.
- For many, this is a one‑off opportunity to create a steady, market‑independent retirement stream.
“We’re at the eleventh hour,” says James Green. “If you want to take control of your retirement income, you must act now. This isn’t just paperwork—it could mean thousands of extra pounds in the long run.”
The State Pension Isn’t a Forgotten Asset
Many UK people abroad have let the state pension slip into the background. Yet it remains a reliable, long‑term income source, often indexed to inflation. “It’s a safe, guaranteed stream that doesn’t play the market,” Green reminds.
How to Qualify for Class 2
To benefit from the cheaper Class 2 rate:
- You must have worked in the UK just before moving overseas.
- You should currently be working—or have worked—while living abroad.
If you meet these criteria, paying Class 2 now can cost you a few hundred pounds a year, while the potential return stretches across decades. That’s “paying a little now for a wealth of secure income later” — a win‑win.
Action Steps
- Contact HMRC before April 5 and declare your intent to pay late voluntary NICs.
- Check your NI record in advance.
- Seek professional guidance if you’re unsure.
Once the deadline passes, the door will close on this generous policy, and you could miss out on significant pension boosts.
Final Call
Are you a UK expat ready for that extra cushion in retirement? Review your NI history now and chat with HMRC or a deVere adviser. Don’t let the window shut on your future income.
