Boost Your State Pension: HMRC's Call to Pre-2000 Parents

HMRC has called on state pensioners born before 1959 to carry out a simple check that could significantly boost their State Pensions. The tax authority's guidance, shared via X, is aimed at those receiving the Full or Basic rate of theState Pension.

Check Your State Pension Eligibility
Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP) was designed to safeguard the State Pension entitlements of parents and carers. If you believe HRP is missing from your National Insurance record, you must apply for it. This applies if you shared childcare responsibilities with a partner who claimed Child Benefit or cared for a sick or disabled person. Applications are also open for foster carers or 'kinship carers' in Scotland.

How to Claim HRP
You have the option to apply online, by post, or even transfer HRP from another person. You'll need to provide proof of being an approved foster carer during the full tax year in question. Contact the HMRC National Insurance helpline for more information and to kickstart the process.