NI contributions gap!

Saga

I did a PPI tax refund claim thingy today via HMRC online and then innocently clicked on a link for my NI contributions and state pension forecast.

I was horrified to see that I had a gap of 7 years that I cannot close now because it's been more than 6 years.  However this gap was during my time at uni when I studying for my BSc and PhD. 

If I was a student and had no income how was I supposed to pay NI.  I am old enough to have had a grant and Student Loan and I remember applying for the grant to the LEA of my council, so they will have had all my details that I was a full-time student. Why weren't these passed on to HMRC (or the Inland Revenue as it was at the time)?

What can I do to ensure I get the full state pension given what the forecast says about the six-year timescale?

Worried!

p00hsticks

What did your State Pension forecast actually say ?

You don't usually need 40+ years NI to qualify for a full pension (although it is possible), so it's perfectly possible for you to miss seven years and still have enough to qualify.

zagfles

Students don't get NI credits (unless they get them through a job while studying). How many years does it say you need? Under the new system you only need 35 years for a full state pension (f you were in contracted out employment pre 2016 is might be more), much shorter than normal working life even after a few years as a student.

eskbanker

Saga said:

If I was a student and had no income how was I supposed to pay NI.

By getting a job!  It was only full-time students aged between 16 and 18 that received NI credits without being employed, after that you had to pay it....

Dazed_and_C0nfused

What can I do to ensure I get the full state pension given what the forecast says about the six-year timescale?

Telling us how old you are and what your forecast (in full) says would be a good start.  

Do you even need the 7 years you are so concerned about?

Saga

Sorry, panicking disproportionately! I can still make up the required 35 years.  Thanks.

Dazed_and_C0nfused

The 35 years rule won't apply to you.

You are under transitional rules which mean you may need fewer or more years.

Without details of your forecast it's impossible to know how those rules impact you.

EmHnAb

Following on to the subject and hoping someone can help. I also just found that I have some gaps.

I am 30 yoa so got some years left to work :O Forecast says £175.20 a week - is this the full state pension?
Above is assuming I have another 33 years of full contribution.

Have I understood it right that there is no point in paying the voluntary contribution just now as long as I work for the 33 years. Should I not, I can then contribute?! What is a full contribution btw, some years I though I earned little while studying but its still counted as full contribution

Thanks a lot in advance for any tips

molerat

Your forecast should show the current amount accrued. At 30 years old you have another 38 years at least until your pension age so plenty of time to fill the pot. £175.20 is the full pension.