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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
World
Kate Lally

Martin Lewis issues warning after sharing tip to turn £800 into £5,500

Martin Lewis has shared a trick that could see people gain as much as £5,000 by boosting their state pensions.

The finance guru explained it is about "buying extra national insurance years", as these are the basis for state pension pay-outs. Most people acquire qualifying NI years while working or receiving credits such as a carer's allowance.

People often need around 35 qualifying years to get a full state pension. The current full state pension is £185.15 per week.

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Until April 5, 2023, people can "buy years" to plug NI gaps as far back as 2006. Money Saving Expert says "those at or near state pension age will find it relatively easy to see if topping up may help".

If you are younger, you can check whether you are likely to have a shortfall. MSE has a handy tool you can use to check your pension forecast and/or check how many NI years you have.

A full voluntary NI year costs around £800. Mr Lewis said for each £800 spent topping up NI years, people could net a "mostly inflation proof" £5,800.

According to MSE: "If a man who's reached age 66 lives the typical 19 more years, a woman 21 more years, then for EACH £800 spent, a man can expect to get £5,300 extra pension, a woman £5,800."

Mr Lewis has, however, issued a warning alongside the tip. He said people should not solely rely on MSE's calculations, as this is complex.

The MSE tool is not certain, and people are advised to call the Future Pension Centre to find out if this is personally worthwhile for you. There is also a "list of buts" people should check out first.

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