Workers across the UK have been warned they may not get the full state pension they are expecting because of a misunderstanding over National Insurance payments.
Experts have warned that not all contributions will count towards the amount you finally get when you retire.
The news could come as a shock to some people who have been working for decades and banking on getting a full payout when they reach pension age.
Current pension age in the UK is 66 - rising to 67 and then 68 by 2046 - and pensioners who qualify for the full payout get £179.60 per week, or £9,339.20 a year.
But not everyone will get the full amount, and the Express has explained why.
First you need to have worked 35 full years to get the full pension, and at least 20 years to get anything.
The years do not have to be consecutive - but they do have to 'qualify' for pension contributions.
Just because someone has paid NI in a given year, it does not automatically mean they have earned a qualifying year.
Tax years run from April 6 to April 5 and employees must earn £120 a week for the 2021/22 tax year in order to be eligible for a qualifying year. Alternatively, they can earn £520 each month or £6,240 for the year.
The rules are slightly different for people who are self-employed.
They will require £125 per week, £542 a month or £6,515 per year to be able to get a qualifying year.
An individual must also have paid National Insurance for the year, at the correct amount.
People who could be particularly vulnerable to falling short when it comes to NI contributions are those who have an income which regularly fluctuates.
They may consequently earn a qualifying year during some tax periods, but not others.
Britons who are on a lower income or work part time may also be at risk.
Anyone who is concerned about their NI record can easily check online via the Government website to see where they stand.
They will be able to view:
- How much they have paid up to the start of the current tax year
- Any National Insurance credits they have received
- If there are any gaps in their contributions or credits, meaning some years do not count
- If they can pay voluntary contributions to fill any gaps and how much this will cost.
