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

p00hsticks

molerat said:

MAD_JACK said:

I've been trying for weeks to get through and even wrote them a letter 7 weeks ago, which they have ignored.  It was sent via Royal Mail's signed for service, so I know they got it.  I'm truly at my wit's end with this, as I need answers to questions that a website can't provide.  I'm due to finally receive my state pension in July (6 years late!) and need to know about possible voluntary NI payments, whether they would be worthwhile and what the maximum amount of state pension I could get would be should I go down that route.  What are we supposed to do if the line is either constantly engaged or we get cut off?  

I am going to bite ...... why is your pension 6 years late ?

Don't go there, I suspect you know the answer to that one ;-).
I think we have a WASPE lady here.

xylophone

 I'm due to finally receive my state pension in July (6 years late!) 

Assuming that you do not mean that you have deferred your state pension, have you obtained a State Pension Forecast?

https://www.gov.uk/check-state-pension

What is shown as your estimate to 5/4/22 (23)?

Boltonsian

Another WASPI lady...is my wife! Currently, 4th 'Fit for Work ' from a WCA/Decision maker, so 4th Tribunal in 10yrs ! As she is 65 cannot apply for Pens.Cred. My (aged 68) State Pension 'means test' -  means not eligible for ANY benefits. 'Law says' figure for a couple is >£60 p.w. MORE than what we SURVIVE on. She has had 6 surgical procedures, since 1994,and diagnosed/waiting for 7th since 2021. UC for couple is lower, work coach advised 'we do not do referrals for foodbanks. We were on a 5yr fixed gas/elec, - finished 31/03/23, forecast is that bill will next by 'X4'. N.I. shows 37 yrs full; Pension Forecast 6yrs short; 6yrs on SSP/ESA but zero contributions. I have 44 FULL yrs N.I. wish I could xfer some !  My dad was CPO RN W.W.II, he fought for 'better than this' !!

Dazed_and_C0nfused

molerat said:

MAD_JACK said:

I've been trying for weeks to get through and even wrote them a letter 7 weeks ago, which they have ignored.  It was sent via Royal Mail's signed for service, so I know they got it.  I'm truly at my wit's end with this, as I need answers to questions that a website can't provide.  I'm due to finally receive my state pension in July (6 years late!) and need to know about possible voluntary NI payments, whether they would be worthwhile and what the maximum amount of state pension I could get would be should I go down that route.  What are we supposed to do if the line is either constantly engaged or we get cut off?  

What details are there you cannot get from the website ?  Everything you need to know is contained in your forecast and NI record and can be worked out from there.

I am going to bite ...... why is your pension 6 years late ?

Maybe the op is a little behind with their paperwork.  Can't think of any other (valid) reason 🤔 

Dazed_and_C0nfused

Pension Forecast 6yrs short; 6yrs on SSP/ESA but zero contributions.

If there is a UC involvement could this be because of the known issue with DWP not providing HMRC with details of NI credits?

https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2023-03-09/162296

molerat

N.I. shows 37 yrs full; Pension Forecast 6yrs short

If she has 37 years full and not yet at full SP amount she must have been in a contracted out pension, is she not receiving that ?

xylophone

Does your wife's SP forecast show a COPE?

Boltonsian

xylophone said:

Does your wife's SP forecast show a COPE?

We have 'factored in' the few years that she was 'COPE', and the error has been discussed with the relevant services, currently 'under investigation'. Point being made - even on your govt Gateway Account, to verify details, errors on the 'facts' remain identifiable, and 'could have' financial implications', as with my wife's Pension Forecast. 6yrs on SSP/ESA but zero contributions credits applied to her account, correlates with, she has had 6 surgical procedures, since 1994,and diagnosed/waiting for 7th since 2021. Supposedly 'automatic' on claimed benefit. Good job I kept records of 'fit' notes and last 3 Tribunals, - often declared 'Fit for Work' - eg CONCURRENTLY waited for 2 years since diagnosis of BOTH surgeries, with 6 months into a 9 month recovery from 1st surgery, & 3 months pre surgery, for second surgery, declared fit for work.

idandy

I have a forecast which shows a gap during 2006 - 2007 when I was fully employed. I have written with evidence two months ago and recieved no reply or acknowledgement - like many others on here I dont understand the workings out of my forecast or how many years I need to pay but cant get through on the phone to find out. As I type I have been waiting 45 minutes.

my forecast has the following detail

• Maximum amount of forecast 203.85
• Current amount up to April 2022 156.69
• Years you have available going forward until you reach State Pension Age 3
• Number of full years prior to April 2016 33 (but I should get the disputed one added)
• Number of full years after April 2016 none
• Years which are not filled
• Whether there is a COPE mentioned and if so what the amount is (this will show by clicking a link there is a statement along the lines of ' like many, you have been contracted out.. 97.19 per week?

molerat

You currently need 9 more years to reach the full amount, 8 bringing you to £203.28 and the the 9th adding 57p so not worth purchasing.

Pre 2016 you had only accumulated 36p in additional pension. If that missing year is added the only value it might bring would be a small amount of additional pension so maybe a few pennies to eat into that final lost 57p.

Only years 2016-17 and later will add to your pension.