NI contributions

Sharrow

Can anyone help?  I am already receiving my pension so need an estimate of any increase if I buy an additional 3 years of NI contributions.  The Pension Service Helpline refers me to their website.  The website refers me to the Helpline.  I am going round in circles getting nowhere.

molerat

For a post 2016 retiree each year will add up to £5.82 per week up to the maximum of £203.85 per week.  Pre 2016 years may add less or nothing at all so care is needed.  Post up some details and some pointers can be given.

Current weekly £££.pp amount
Number of pre 2016 NI years full
Number of post 2016 NI years full
Tax year you reached state retirement
Any COPE amount if known - were you in a contracted out pension scheme ?
Years which show not full and prices

Sharrow

Thanks molerat.  1: My current weekly amount is £167.09
2: I have 42 full years prior to 2016
3: I have only 1 year post 2016
4: I reached retirement age in 2027-18
5: Yes I was contracted out for some time but I don't know for how long
6: I have 3 years which show not full in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2014-15.  Price for each is £824.20
As I can't seem to contact the Pension Service in any way, any help you could give to help me decide whether to buy more NI would be great.

molerat

Any year 2015-16 and earlier will not add to your pension so with no gaps 2016-17 and later you are already receiving the maximum you can.

Edit to add the reasoning for the above

You can only use an absolute maximum of 35 pre 2016 years (although in your case it is actually 30).  You already hold 42 so purchasing more cannot add to the useable amount.