The new state pension is available for men born on or after the 6 April 1951 or women born on or after 6 April 1953. Usually, at least 10 qualifying years of national insurance contributions will be needed to receive any state pension. 35 years will be needed to receive the highest amount possible, which is currently £168.60 per week. Some people may find that they have gaps in their record but this can be remedied.

National insurance contributions are broken down into four categories.

If a person wants to voluntarily pay national insurance, it will usually be done through class three contributions or potentially class two for those who are self-employed or working abroad.

Before this is done however, the Pension Advisory Service advises that the person should make sure that there are actually gaps in their record, they know exactly how much they need to pay and that they understand the benefits of paying.

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While topping up national insurance contributions is generally encouraged to benefit state pensions, it should be noted that it is not a costless choice.

Paying voluntary national insurance will trigger a charge that is dependant on what kind of class is being contributed to.

The current rates are £3 a week for class two contributions and £15 a week for class three contributions. These rates will depend on the tax years they’re being paid for.

If a person is paying class two contributions for the previous tax year or class three contributions for the previous two tax years, the original rate for those years will be paid. The government provide information on what the rates were in previous tax years.