Lower state pension for self employed

wymondham

I've seen several times that those who are self-employed get lower state pensions. Is there any way this can be subsidised by the person to maintain the higher state pension as though they were employed?

dunstonh

I've seen several times that those who are self-employed get lower state pensions.

Those that pay class 1 NI (employed) quality for the basic state pension and subject to earnings qualify for the state second pension (or SERPS if you go back further in time). Those that pay class 2 NI (self employed) only qualify for the basic state pension.

Nowadays, a full S2P can be worth around an extra £3500 in state pensions. Historically you could get more with some people seeing their basic and SERPS taking the state pensions over 10k a year.

Is there any way this can be subsidised by the person to maintain the higher state pension as though they were employed?

By making personal provision, typically through personal pensions, S&S ISAs etc.