Can't get into telephone queue for the Future Pension Centre

cmpie

I have tried countless times to get through to the Future Pension Centre, as advised by MSE, to check how many years I would need to voluntarily contribute for to increase my state pension. However I am unable to get into the queue. I get through all the options and then get cut off in one way or another. Has anyone got any advice please? I would like to be able to contact them in plenty of time to be able to sort out a contribution before 5/4/23

diystarter7

Hi
Possible lines playing up or just very busy. Keep trying

Thanks

Linton

Ring as soon as they open at 8am.

If you provide the details from your state pension forecast (https://www.gov.uk/check-state-pension) people here can give you a good idea, but for a definitive answer you do need the FPC.

cmpie

I persevered and got through to the queue. Long queue time (approx 55 mins)  but worth it as I got very helpful advice. Thanks for the advice I got on here too

tonyjonmoore

I've tried many many times and after pressing the options I either get a number busy or number unobtainable tone. I can't even get in a queue!

chels

tonyjonmoore said:

I've tried many many times and after pressing the options I either get a number busy or number unobtainable tone. I can't even get in a queue!

This may or may not help, but when I contacted them, it made a difference which option I selected.  I can't recall the exact wording but one of the options was 'query regarding your forecast' and the next option was 'if you have your forecast and have a general enquiry' - initially I selected query regarding your forecast but on the first few times I tried, that was engaged and then cut off but I subsequently tried the general enquiry option and got in the queue.

Sea_Shell

Ring early, mid week.  Worked for me, I got straight through.   I was amazed, as I'd got comfy ready for the long haul 😉

Albermarle

Sea_Shell said:

Ring early, mid week.  Worked for me, I got straight through.   I was amazed, as I'd got comfy ready for the long haul 😉

Same when phoning HMRC. Twice tried in the afternoon recently . One was answered after 35 minutes and the other I gave up after a similar time. Tried at 08.15 on a Thursday . Through in less than 10 minutes.

tonyjonmoore

I did finally get through, 50 minutes queue. Well worth the hassle as got really good advice.

Rod1883

My wife has just tried to call the Future pensions line - after trying a few times and selecting what we think were two options that cover her situation she just got call back after April 2023 or an engaged tone She'll try again later...

Edit - she tried again at 1pm today and got to talk to someone after only 20 minutes. They must have been on a late start this morning!

Stuart1313

I'm having same trouble. My pension is due end of July and I have a couple of years to fill. The government gateway says this should be paid before 6th April. At this rate, I'll still be trying to get through by then !!!
I know the years in question and the exact amount to pay.
I'm tempted just to send them a cheque in the post, with all the details, and hope for the best.