Martin Lewis issues 'important' National Insurance warning to people under 73

Martin Lewis has explained why some are unable to boost their National Insurance contributions. The BBC Sounds podcast star issued an "important" National Insurance years warning on Twitter/X after people realised they weren't eligible to buy extra years.

"Important. Are you under age 73? You may be able to pay £800, or far less, to gain £5,400 or more, but the clock's ticking! It's all about extra National Insurance (NI) years. And finally, many can now do it online. My full step-by-step," he warned. "Feel free to share." A fan asked: "Martin my mum was born June 18th 1952 and has some missing years why is she not eligible?"

"Because this is about the new state pension and she is on the old state pension :(," Martin replied. A second fumed: "Martin, once you are at the max for state pension… is there a way to stop paying NI contributions? If the max you are allowed is £221 per week… contributing after this for no gain doesn’t seem fair"

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Another said: "Is there any point for under 40's if AI+Robots+Too many elderly Vs. young is going to mean either: 1. The system collapses and there is no pension by the 2060's 2. We all go on to UBI and have a merry ol' time ?? Sounds like a joke question but I'm really not joking."

"My husband was 73 on 26th April 2024. He is on the old old rate of state pension and qualified for it, in full, with no gaps in his NI contributions. We have never queried why he is not on the new rate of state pension. Should we?" another asked.

"Do you know the differences between class 2 and class 3 NI contributions? It advises to pay class 2 due to being out of the UK ? Appreciate any advice if someone has had similar?," another asked. Another fumed: "I did this in May, only to find the lady on the other end of the phone gave me the Wrong Information to top up missing years. She was £4000 or so short.

"To say the least I am a bit angry at having to find more money."