TL;DR
About 184,800 of the 776,330 people who began receiving the UK new state pension in 2024/25 were entitled to less than the full weekly rate, according to DWP figures obtained by MoneyWeek. Some people can increase their entitlement by filling gaps in their National Insurance record, but eligibility and the cost depend on individual circumstances.
About 184,800 people who started receiving the UK new state pension in the 2024/25 tax year were entitled to less than the full weekly rate, figures obtained by MoneyWeek show. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) data, released in response to a Freedom of Information request, indicates that around 24% of new claimants could receive less than £221.20 a week, the maximum rate at the time; some people may be able to increase their entitlement by filling eligible gaps in their National Insurance record.
Of the 776,330 people who began getting the new state pension during 2024/25, 591,530, or 76%, were entitled to the maximum weekly amount of £221.20, according to the figures reported by MoneyWeek. The remaining roughly 184,800 people qualified for less. These figures describe entitlement when people started claiming; they do not say why each person received a lower amount or whether they later took steps to increase it.
The state pension amount is linked to a person’s National Insurance record. Under the new state pension system, people generally need 35 qualifying years to receive the full rate, while a minimum record is usually needed to qualify for any new state pension. The exact calculation can differ for people with a work history under the earlier system or periods when they were contracted out of the additional state pension.
People who have gaps in their record may be able to fill some of them through voluntary National Insurance contributions. A payment can add qualifying years and, in some cases, raise the pension a person receives. But paying to fill a gap does not automatically increase everyone’s pension: the result depends on their existing record, the years available to fill and their personal pension calculation. A forecast and review of the National Insurance record are needed before deciding whether to pay.
How Gaps Can Affect Pension Income
A lower starting amount can affect a person’s regular retirement income for years, so checking the basis of the calculation can matter. For people with missing qualifying years, a voluntary contribution may be one route to a higher state pension, but the decision involves comparing an upfront cost with the potential increase in future payments.
The headline figures should not be read as evidence that all people receiving less than the maximum have an error or a top-up opportunity. Some may have shorter contribution records, while others’ entitlement may reflect the rules that apply to their particular work and insurance history. The data supplied in the report does not break down recipients by reason for receiving less.
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What the 2024/25 Figures Measure
The figures concern people who started claiming the new state pension in a single tax year, rather than everyone already receiving a state pension. MoneyWeek said it obtained the numbers from the DWP through a Freedom of Information request. The reported maximum of £221.20 a week is the rate for 2024/25 and should not be treated as the current rate for a later tax year.
The state pension is not a personal account into which contributions are simply paid and later withdrawn. National Insurance records are used to assess entitlement under the rules, and gaps can arise for a range of reasons, including years without enough contributions or credits. Credits may be available for some periods, so a gap on a record does not always mean a person needs to make a voluntary payment.
Voluntary contributions can have different deadlines and costs depending on the tax year involved. Rules on which past years can be filled have changed over time, and special extensions have applied in some circumstances. People should check current HM Revenue and Customs and DWP guidance rather than assume that every gap remains open or that a contribution will increase their pension.
“76% (591,530) were entitled to the maximum weekly rate at the time of £221.20.”
— MoneyWeek, reporting the DWP figures
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Who Can Benefit From Contributions
The published figures do not show why each person received less, how many had gaps that could be filled, or how many would gain from voluntary contributions. They also do not establish that everyone below the maximum can raise their entitlement. A person’s outcome depends on their individual National Insurance record and pension calculation.
The supplied report does not give details on the cost of making contributions, the expected increase for different applicants, or the time needed to recoup a payment through pension income. Nor does the data show whether the recipients had checked their records or sought a forecast. Those details would be needed to assess whether a top-up is financially worthwhile in an individual case.
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Check Records Before Paying
Anyone considering a top-up should first review their National Insurance record and obtain a state pension forecast through official government services. They can then check whether any gaps can be filled, whether credits may apply, what a contribution would cost and how much it is expected to add to their pension. HMRC can provide information about voluntary contribution payments, while the DWP forecast shows the estimated pension entitlement.
People should verify the rules and deadlines for the specific years they hope to fill before sending money. The next practical step is an individual assessment, not a payment based solely on the 2024/25 figures. Further DWP detail about the reasons behind the reported lower awards was not included in the source material.
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Key Questions
Can I top up my UK state pension?
Some people can. Voluntary National Insurance contributions may fill eligible gaps and increase state pension entitlement, but the effect depends on the person’s record and circumstances.
How many new claimants received less than the full rate in 2024/25?
MoneyWeek’s report on DWP figures says about 184,800 of 776,330 people who started receiving the new state pension that year were entitled to less than the £221.20 weekly maximum then in force.
Does every National Insurance gap need to be paid?
No. Some people may qualify for National Insurance credits, and not every gap can necessarily be filled or would increase a pension. Check the official record and forecast before deciding to pay.
How do I find out whether a top-up is worthwhile?
Use official government services to review your National Insurance record and request a state pension forecast. Confirm the contribution cost, applicable deadline and expected pension increase for your own circumstances before making a payment.
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