Worth paying NI is SP passed on?

Barry_Bear

Paying voluntary NI for many years to ensure a State Pension, now have 35 years contributions and online forecast shows the maximum SP and 10 years to state pension age. Is there any extra benefit in paying any more NI (I think not)?

Does a surviving spouse inherit all/part of a SP if it has/hasn't started to be claimed?

Reading online there's lots of jargon and talk of "old and new" systems I think new system applies here. There is also a mention of surviving spouses getting 50% of "protected" SP benefits (but no explanation what "protected" is or how to know how much that is or how to tell if it applies here). 

Any clarity appreciated!

molerat

No benefit paying any more if the statement says you currently have the full amount.

The "new pension" is applicable to anyone reaching state retirement age from 6th April 2016.

The only part of the post 2016  "new pension" that can be inherited is 50% of any amount over the new full pension, the protected benefits, which was earned by pre 2016 S2P / SERPS.  This full pension plus amount would have already been in place at April 2016 and could not be added to with post 2016 contributions.

Barry_Bear

Thanks molerat.