State Pension Contribution Gaps

I will get my state pension in April 2027 at which point , provided I continue to contribute until April 2026 , I will be short of a full pension by about £6 per week. Can I make up that shortfall by continuing to contribute to April 2027. I ask because i have read that you can continue to add qualifying years until you reach the full state pension or you reach state pension age, whichever happens first. I will reach state pension age some months before April 2027

Hi,
HMRC cannot advise on whether paying voluntary National Insurance Contributions (NICs) will increase your UK state pension (UK SP)entitlement.
You must contact the Pension service part of DWP to request a pension forecast. If you have already received this information the forecast should advise you which years will increase your UK SP entitlement.
We can confirm however if you reach State Pension Age (SPA) before 06 April 2027 you cannot pay NICs for the full tax year of 2026 to 2027 as the total paid would not total 52 weeks. It could be that the 2025 to 2026 will be your final year to pay Voluntary NICs. Again the Pension service part of DWP will be able to confirm this to you.
This would not be the case if you are currently employed or registered as Self Employed as you will continue to pay Class 1 and 2 NICs until you are UK SPA.
Thank you.