UK state pwnsion

rogman3939

I worked in the UK until I was 32, then travelled and finally started working in Hungary paying into their state pension. In three and half years I'll be eligible for the Hungarian pension reaching 65. I'd rather not take that pension as it's very low. I'd rather add my qualifying years earned here to my accumulated pension years in the UK giving me a full UK pension 

Do I need to stop working in Hungary just before I retire at 65 and return to the uk and start working until I'm 66? 

I have documentary proof of my contributions here in Hungary plus I can see from UK government gateway that I have years in the uk

molerat

You cannot swap your years between countries.  You may be able to top up you UK pension.  Have you had a UK pension forecast ?  You can currently add your 2 state pensions together and take them both in your final country of residence but that one is a bit up in the air at the moment ! If you do not have 10 UK years you cannot get a UK pension.

Dox

If you've not read this it may be helpful, especially the links at the end: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/a-letter-to-uk-nationals-living-in-hungary

rogman3939

Thanks molerat.

I have more 10 years in the UK and when added with my Hungarian years, it will be more than 35 years, so I won't need to pay for lost years. I'd like to move back to the uk just before I reach pensionable age in Hungary (currently 65) thereby stopping the process here and start working in the UK until I'm 66 ( the age at which I'll be entitled to my UK pension). According to your useful advice, the UK will therefore be my final country of residence and they will ask for my documentary evidence from Hungary.

HappyHarry

As Molerat says above, you can not transfer the qualifying year's in Hungary's state pension scheme for a UK state pension. 

You can, however, claim a Hungarian state pension for the years you have worked in Hungary, and a UK state pension for the years you have worked in the UK. Providing you have worked in the EU for longer than the minimum qualification periods for each individual country.

Have a read through the link provided by Dox above, especially the third sample story linked to here: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/work/retire-abroad/state-pensions-abroad/index_en.htm

nigelbb

You need to buy as many missing years as possible for your UK pension. As you have been working abroad you should be eligible to pay Class 2 NI contributions at about £150 for each added year. Read this HMRC leaflet that explains it all. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/832814/NI38.pdf

You need to contact HMRC & confirm that you can pay Class 2 & then you need to speak to the Future Pensions Centre to confirm which years you need to purchase to maximise your pension.

You are correct that if return to work in the UK you claim both pensions via DWP in the UK but after you make the claim you deal with Hungary & the UK separately. You do not get your pensions paid together.