Best way to protect Pension rights

Raksha

As a 51 year old Mum, I've had my Pension rights protected from 1982 when my oldest son was born, 2nd son arrived in 1995 and third in 1997 until recently by the 'Home Responsibilities' program, then I started working for myself in 1997 and paid reduced rate NI until I started being employed in 2007 until I was made redundant in Dec 2010.

My contributions based JSA will 'expire' in mid Jun and as I understand it, because my youngest son is over 12, I now longer have HR protection. Can I keep this protected by 'signing off' to go 'self employed' and simply pay the reduced rate NI? Our household income is sufficient that we won't get any other benefits.

[Deleted User]

even if you dont qualify for means tested JSA(or income based as its known)you can still sign on every week for N.I cont. as long as you are looking for and avalibale for work

Oldernotwiser

If you worked before having your children, you sound as if you have your 30 years in already.

Raksha

woodbine wrote: »

even if you dont qualify for means tested JSA(or income based as its known)you can still sign on every week for N.I cont. as long as you are looking for and avalibale for work

I wanted to avoid having to go through all the processes that signing on requires, I'm on medication for depression and each rejection just makes me worse. Even applying for jobs results in disabling anxiety attacks. I'm quite happy to pay a small amount each week to cover my pension to avoid it.

Raksha

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

If you worked before having your children, you sound as if you have your 30 years in already.

I worked from 1978 onwards, and my youngest child was 12 in 2009, so that would make over 30 years.

So does this mean I can just hide in the corner until I'm due my pension?

Oldernotwiser

Raksha wrote: »

I worked from 1978 onwards, and my youngest child was 12 in 2009, so that would make over 30 years.

So does this mean I can just hide in the corner until I'm due my pension?

Nowadays you need 30 years' contributions for a full pension so you sound as if you're covered. You could also ask the DWP for a pension forecast to make sure and reassure yourself.

BusPass_2

Google Pension Forecast or go on to DWP web site and ask for Pension Forecast.

It'll tell you what your contribution history has been and project what state pension you will reveive based on contributions made.

Doesn't cost anything and is easy to do.