Martin Lewis admitted he was "stressed" by a massive change announced in the lead up to Money Show Live.
The consumer champion returned tonight for the new series of the popular ITV programme. Martin devoted the episode to the complicated subject of State Pension as he wanted to ensure people maximise their entitled benefits.
The finance guru has regularly urged people to take action with any gaps in their National Insurance contributions as they face losing thousands of pounds. Martin repeated the advice at the start of today's show as he said: "It's about the biggest single action many of you can make to boost your lifetime finances."
READ MORE: ITV Coronation Street viewers demand answers as they can't believe Ken Barlow appearance
People aged between the age of 45 and 72, who will receive the new state pension, can currently backdate any gaps to 2006. A Martin Lewis fan named Caroline appeared on the show to reveal that she filled in 14 missing National Insurance years to double her State Pension contribution to the maximum of £203.85 a week.
Martin worked out that over the course of her lifetime this could mean she could earned an extra £95,000 more than she would have. A proposed law change will soon change this so people can only backdate their National Insurance contributions by six years.
This was going to come into force on July 23 but the government updated this yesterday until April 2025. Martin addressed the change at the top of tonight's episode as he joked: "It's been quite busy in the run up to the show. I'm stressed. Have I brushed my hair?"
Martin urged people to consider buying their National Insurance years if this applies to them. He branded the extension as good news as government headlines have been been overwhelmed in recent months.
To check if people need to pay for National Insurance years, Martin advised people to contact the Future Pension Centre or the Pension Service to get personalised information.
Advice on MoneySavingExpert.com said :"Both services provide specific information about your current national insurance record. They'll tell you whether doing so will actually result in any increase to your (eventual) state pension. It is possible to pay to plug a gap and see no gain, which is why this step is so important."
If you're not yet at state pension age you can contact the Future Pension Centre on 0800 731 0175. The lines are open between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday
If you're already at state pension age you can contact the Pension Service on 0800 731 0469 It's free and phone lines are open between 8am and 6pm on Monday to Friday.
Receive newsletters with the biggest and breaking TV and showbiz news by signing up here
For more celeb news, videos and pictures follow our designated Facebook page HERE
M&S shoppers praise 'classy' £39 dress in a 'beautiful summery fabric'
A Place in the Sun's Jean Johansson in stitches when couple give house price offer
