Started freelancing between 2015 and 2024? Check your National Insurance record

If you became self-employed between 2015 and 2024, you may have incorrect gaps in your National Insurance record, and that could reduce your State Pension by thousands.

MoneySavingExpert reported this week that around 800,000 people may be affected by an issue with people not completing a "CWF1" form when they started self-employment.

Since 2015 you needed to register for Self Assessment and separately tell HMRC you were self-employed via that form. But if you missed the CWF1 form - Class 2 contributions may not have been assessed correctly, even if you filed correct tax returns.

HMRC has fixed the systems going forward, and for anyone affected, they are writing to people to let them know, and give you a chance to close any gaps.

What to do

1. Check your National Insurance contributions

Sign in and check your National Insurance record. Also look at your State Pension forecast. It only takes a few minutes and shows whether you have qualifying years and gaps.

2. Wait for a letter if you think you're affected

Letters are going out in stages. If you're at near retirement age, you should hear by summer 2027; everyone else will hear from spring 2027.

3. Consider closing the gaps

If you have gaps, voluntary contributions might be worth it — but wait for HMRC/DWP guidance if you're affected. Those who are, will be able to pay back to 2015 at the original rates (usually you can only go back six years).

4. Join our pensions call in September

We're hosting a call on pensions in September — a good moment to dig into Pensions, NI gaps, and how freelancers can plan for later life. RSVP here.