NHS Pension.Buying additional years.

butterfly72

I managed to register my intent to buy extra years before the april 08 deadline. I understand that I need to start the 'contract' on my next birthday. How far prior to my birthday should I be contacting them?

Also, how do I know if its worth me buying them? I've currently got 7 years worth of contributions and say, another 24 years left to work. I can buy an extra 9 years. But I want kids and want to work part time. at some point! And who knows if i'll stay with the NHS? What are my options if I don't buy extra. Would I get a small NHS pension and state pension? Or should I just go for it whilst I'm working full time and any extra is a bonus. Is it cost effective to buy extra?

In any case its hardly going to be a huge pension I'm only a nurse!:o

Thanks.

tirednewdad

From my personal experience of buying extra years. It takes a long time to go through the process as there are so many forms to send back and forth. Do it as soon as possible as mine took a total of 2 months to sort out. They are not as strict about you doing it before your birthday as they have such a backlog of people applying.

IMO i would definately by the added years to my full entitlement.