Benefit Updates – March 2025

There are some changes on the horizon - here are some quick updates for you:

Deadline to fill National Insurance gaps to increase State Pension

People have until 5 April 2025 to fill gaps in their National Insurance (NI) record dating back to 6 April 2006. After this date, payments can only be made for the previous six tax years.

The quickest and easiest way for people to check a State Pension forecast and find out if they can benefit from paying to fill NI gaps is by checking their NI record on GOV.UK or in the HMRC app.

click here to check Your National insurance Record 

Move to Universal Credit

Tax Credits are closing on 5 April 2025, and if you have received a migration notice you must respond by the deadline date to continue to receive financial support from the UK Government.

The DWP will continue to increase the number of Migration Notices being sent to people receiving Employment and Support  Allowance (ESA), with all notices due to be sent by the end of 2025.

A Universal Credit Helpline will be open from 5 April: 0800 169 0328.

Changes to Statutory Sick Pay

Through the Employment Rights Bill, the Government is strengthening Statutory Sick pay by removing the Lower Earnings Limit so that the safety net of sick pay is available to those who need it most.