Nightmare - Pensions and HMRC

linclass

Following on from an earlier (last week)

I have insufficient NI contributions to draw a full state pension, starting payment November.

I have the option of voluntarily paying this shortfall.

I have called Gov.uk for the exact amount I need to pay.

They gave the number of HMRC who would advise the exact amount needed, as i would be paying them.

Called them. They have no Idea, I need to call Gov.uk... But HOLD ON, I've spoken to them who told me to call you!!!!

Each time these numbers are called, the wait is unbelievable. I kid you not, over the past couple of weeks with all the calls/waiting times laid end to end. I must have been on this phone upwards of 35 hours. Oh OK that's a bit of an exaggeration. As I type this, I am again, holding for HMRC.

WISH ME LUCK!!!!

Rant over... for now....

JoeCrystal

Or send a letter. That is how I paid for my contributions to cover a gap a few years ago. They will send you a form/information on how to pay the cost. In my case, it was a simple matter of sending a cheque.

linclass

JoeCrystal wrote: »

Or send a letter. That is how I paid for my contributions to cover a gap a few years ago. They will send you a form/information on how to pay the cost. In my case, it was a simple matter of sending a cheque.

I'm speaking to HMRC as I type. Yes, they can ONLY give me the amount I would voluntarily need to pay -BUT!! Armed with that info, I need to call.... GOV.UK. Reason being, ALTHOUGH I'm now armed with all the amount I would need to pay to draw a better pension amount, I MIGHT NOT need to repay ALL those years.

I don't wish to send letters, in this day and age we SHOULD be able to get answers almost immediately JoeC, I've read many times, HMRC and Gov.uk aren't fit for purpose. I know realise, that's very probably quite true...

molerat

Working out how much you need to pay and the years that will make a difference is quite straightforward from the information on the sp forecast.


Have you queried that one missing year you have, 82-83 I believe.


I found the easiest way to pay is by cheque and letter.


Have you been looking after grandchildren at all since 2010 ?

JGB1955

You need to contact the Future Pension Centre - they are really helpful and will tell you which/if any years you can 'top up'. They will also go through the process with you.



To find out if you’ll benefit from paying voluntary contributions contact the Future Pension Centre:• if you live in the UK — Telephone: 0800 731 0175— Textphone: 0800 731 0176• if you live outside the UK — Telephone: +44 (0)191 218 3600— Textphone: +44 (0)191 218 2051

Linton

To find out how much you should be paying talk to the Future Pensions Centre - https://www.gov.uk/future-pension-centre . I have found them very helpful and knowledgable.

linclass

molerat wrote: »

Working out how much you need to pay and the years that will make a difference is quite straightforward from the information on the sp forecast.


Have you queried that one missing year you have, 82-83 I believe.


I found the easiest way to pay is by cheque and letter.


Have you been looking after grandchildren at all since 2010 ?

Hello molerat, you are quite right, spoken with HMRC - they made the figure for payment to be: £7,172, this includes the £527.40 (according to them for 2018/19 which ISN'T showing on the Gov.uk website). HOWEVER! gov.uk have looked at my record - HMRC suggested I ask them exactly WHICH years I need to pay for as not ALL years might increase my pension - and their final figure is £7406! THEY think the 2018/19 shortfall is £761.80!!!! It's like banging one's head against the bloody proverbial brick wall, it really is.

I've had enough for now, I'm gonna step back for a couple of days to calm down. I have Hypertension and this ISN'T HELPING!!! Thanks for reading.

linclass

JGB1955 wrote: »

You need to contact the Future Pension Centre - they are really helpful and will tell you which/if any years you can 'top up'. They will also go through the process with you.

Thanks, I did so, they gave me a TOTALLY different figure for 2018/19 to the figure HMRC gave me. :eek:

Thrugelmir

linclass wrote: »

I don't wish to send letters, in this day and age we SHOULD be able to get answers almost immediately JoeC,

Why? I am interest to know what this day and age is.

molerat

The problem is that HMRC know how much each year is and FPC know which years you need. £761.80 is the full price for 18-19. If you have not got any contributions for that year then that is the correct price.


If you only have 23 pre 2016 years then any 7 available pre 2016 years cannot fail to add value but 17-18 and 18-19 will be cheaper than any empty pre 2016 years.


Again, what about that 82-83. You should have that one filled so you need to firmly ask them why it is not, it could save you £780.


And the looking after grandchildren is a very important question - MrsM saved just under £3K https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2017/01/grandparents-who-help-with-childcare-at-risk-of-missing-out-on-full-state-pension---act-now-to-protect-it/

linclass

Thrugelmir wrote: »

Why? I am interest to know what this day and age is.

You being pedantic......?