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DWP AMOUNT DEPENDS ON HOW MANY QUALIFYING YEARS OF NATIONAL INSURANCE (NI) CONTRIBUTIONS YOU HAVE MADE. 15:15, 23 Jan 2025 Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) state pensioners have been
warned over how much state pension you will get when you retire. The amount from the DWP depends on how many qualifying years of national insurance (NI) contributions you have made. In
general, if you reached or will reach state pension age after April 2016, you usually need at least 35 qualifying years to get the full payment, and at least 10 qualifying years to get any
pension at all, the DWP has stipulated on its website. Eligibility for some other state benefits also depends on your NI record. But you can check your NI record at Gov.uk and find out if
you can make voluntary contributions to fill any gaps. Gaps are typically caused by periods of unemployment or low earnings, taking time off work because of caring responsibilities, or
living or working abroad. READ MORE ALL THE PARTS OF ENGLAND AND SCOTLAND FACING SNOW AGAIN BEFORE END OF JANUARY It comes as HMRC isreaching out to British expats - of whom there are
believed to be around 5.5 million. Taking to Twitter, now X, it said: "Are you a #BritishExpat? There's still time to fill gaps in your #NationalInsurance record back to 2006 with
voluntary contributions." Article continues below They said: "Doing this may increase your #StatePension." It is not uncommon for expats residing outside the UK to have
incomplete NI records due to periods spent working or living overseas. Usually, voluntary contributions can be made for the past six tax years. But with the April 5 deadline fast
approaching, the time to act under the extended window is limited before the standard six-tax year rule is reinstated. This opportunity is aimed at men born after April 6, 1951, and women
born after April 6, 1953, who are interested in beefing up their New State Pension through voluntary NI contributions. Check online using a Government Gateway ID, and you'll also need
proof of identity, such as a photo ID like a passport or driving licence.