If you have been checking your UK State Pension forecast recently, you might have received inaccurate information. HMRC (His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs) has officially apologised after a significant technical error was discovered in its online state pension forecast tool.
For anyone tracking their cost of living in the UK and planning for the future, this update is crucial. Here is everything you need to know about the glitch and how to ensure your records are correct.
What Happened with the HMRC Pension Tool?
A technical fault in the digital interface between HMRC and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) caused incorrect National Insurance (NI) records to be displayed for thousands of users.
Since the amount of State Pension you receive depends on how many “qualifying years” of National Insurance contributions you have, this error led many people to believe they would receive less (or more) money than they were actually entitled to.
Key Details of the Error:
- The Cause: A data synchronisation issue between HMRC and DWP systems.
- The Impact: Users saw gaps in their National Insurance record that didn’t actually exist.
- The Correction: HMRC has confirmed that the technical fix is now live, and they are working to update all affected records.
Why This Matters for Your Cost of Living
In 2026, with the triple lock and fluctuating inflation, the State Pension remains a cornerstone of retirement budgeting in the UK. Even a few missing years in your NI record can result in losing thousands of pounds over the course of your retirement.
Pro Tip: If you are planning your retirement budget, don’t rely on a single check. Periodic reviews of your NI record are essential to ensure your future “cost of living” is covered.
How to Check if You Are Affected
HMRC advises that while the tool is being fixed, users should double-check their records manually if they notice any unexplained gaps.
- Log in to your Personal Tax Account: Use the official gov.uk portal to view your NI record.
- Compare with your P60s: Check your historical employment records against what appears on the system.
- Request a State Pension Statement: You can still request a manual statement if you suspect the online tool is showing incorrect data.
⚖️ Our Take: Staying Informed
Technical glitches in government systems can be stressful, especially when they involve your future income. At UK Life Costs, we recommend staying proactive. If you have moved to the UK recently or have had periods of self-employment, these digital tools are your best friends—but only when they work correctly.
🔗 Source & Further Reading
This report is based on information provided by The National and official HMRC statements. You can read the original reporting here: HMRC state pension tool error – The National.