Opportunity to apply for the government’s State Pension top up scheme closes on 5 April 2017.

If you reached your State Pension age before 6 April 2016 then you only have until midnight on 5 April 2017 to take advantage of the State Pension top up scheme.

The top up scheme is a government scheme that allows you to boost your retirement income by between £1 and £25 a week in exchange for a lump sum payment. The size of the payment is based on how much extra pension you wish to purchase, and your age.

The additional state pension purchased is:

• Guaranteed for life
• In most cases inheritable at a reduced rate by a spouse or civil partner
• Protected against inflation with increases in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI)

You can apply online at www.gov.uk/statepensiontopup.