Help for father returning to UK from overseas - pension?

Moonchild

Hi all,

Apologies for nievety on the subject of pensions, but am struggling to get a pointer in the right direction. My father who has lived overseas for 22 years (and has not paid any contributions during this time) is returning to the UK (he will be 65) and would like me to investigate what his state pension situation would be.

Considering he spent 20 years as a teacher in the UK, I presume he would have a modest one, but still have one.

Can anyone advise how I would investigate further (on his behalf) as he does not have easy phone or internet access.

Thanks.

bryanb

If you have all his details you could try for an online forecast.

EdInvestor

When does he turn 65? If after April next year, he will need 30 years NI contributions for a full state pension. If before, he will need 40 years.

If he has been working while overseas, he can pay "back years" up to 10 at the very cheap class 2 rate and he should do this before he returns.Contact the Pension Service overseas dept at Newcastle.

You should be able to find all the relevant info by searching this site:

https://www.thepensionservice gov.uk

IIRC expats cannot get online forecasts.

Moonchild

Thanks everyone. He will be 65 in 2 years exactly. And I don't think he would have had 30 years worth of NI contributions either. I'm checking, but I would hazard a guess at 20.

You can't do online forecasts if you live overseas. Should I attempt it anway?

seven-day-weekend

You can however have a written forecast. I have just had one and I live in Spain. I believe they will also do one on the phone, but they may need his authorisation to do so

His Retirement date is after April 6th 2010, so he will only need 30 years of Insurance Contributions to get a full State Pension. If he already has 20 years of contributions from being a Teacher, he only needs another ten and he may be able to buy these back as Edinvestor suggests, I would do that if he needs to. Do it asap as the price is doubling soon! (From April I think).

If he does not pay any more years NI, his 20 years should give him a 2/3 State Pension, which will be a bit over £60 a week (based on present rates). He may also be entitled to Pension Credit to top this up (means-tested).

And don't forget his Teachers' Pension!

Get that forecast asap!

getting-sorted-sarah

He may also be entitled to Pension Credit - a means tested top up (from age 60) depending on his other income (like an occupational pension?) and living circumstances.

Cook_County

He may also be entitled to benefits from other countries either under their domestic rules or under a totalisation agreement if one exists.

Where has he been?

exil

His teacher's pension is likely to be bigger than the state pension - he needs to contact the Teachers Pension Scheme about this