Cannot get through to Future Pensions Service

Heredia

I have spent the last week trying to contact the Future Pensions Service as need to pay back missing years, I need the 18 digit number & bank details to make payment is there other way of getting this information, I am concerned that I am going to miss the deadline! 

pinnks

You get the code from HMRC, not FPS.  That said, their phone lines are running red hot as well, so good luck getting through.

Heredia

Thanks, do you know what department at HMRC?

garyelder

My wife got through on Saturday morning with out a problem they are normally closed 

p00hsticks

You phone HMRC on 0300 200 3500 to get the 18-digit number and bank details, not the Future Pension service. 
National Insurance: general enquiries - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
They may ask if you've spoken to the Future Pension Service first to confirm that you know the years you are buying will benefit you. If you are happy you are buying the right years, I'd suggest you tell them you want to go ahead anyhow as you've tried and can't get through. 
If you are unsure and post your forecast details up here people will be able to help.  
Alternatively you can write a cheque and pay by post, in whcih case your NI number will suffice
Pay voluntary Class 3 National Insurance: By cheque through the post - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

gamston

I did it a few weeks ago
first ring the 0800 no to get the Nat Ins owing confrimed ( I was 45 mins waiting for call to be answered)
they confirmed what I needed to pay and put me though to HMRC they gave me the 18 number, once the call was answered this all took about 10 mins
2 weeks later I rung the 0300 no to confirm my money had arrived and they were dealing with it , this call took 50mins before being answered, once answered the guy deal with it there and then, about 2 hrs later my online forecast showed the new pension

E_Miller

Heredia said:

I have spent the last week trying to contact the Future Pensions Service as need to pay back missing years, I need the 18 digit number & bank details to make payment is there other way of getting this information, I am concerned that I am going to miss the deadline! 

I have spent the last week trying to contact both the Future Pension Service, and have also tried the HMRC NI Helpline direct. I cannot get through to either. I waited 56 mins in a queue on the HMRC NI Helpline yesterday, got through and was cut off after 17 seconds. The Future Pension Service goes straight to engaged, so no option to wait in a queue. Worrying as I have a two year gap when I was not employed, and bringing up my two new babies, and have not received any NI credit contributions. 

molerat

E_Miller said:

Heredia said:

I have spent the last week trying to contact the Future Pensions Service as need to pay back missing years, I need the 18 digit number & bank details to make payment is there other way of getting this information, I am concerned that I am going to miss the deadline! 

I have spent the last week trying to contact both the Future Pension Service, and have also tried the HMRC NI Helpline direct. I cannot get through to either. I waited 56 mins in a queue on the HMRC NI Helpline yesterday, got through and was cut off after 17 seconds. The Future Pension Service goes straight to engaged, so no option to wait in a queue. Worrying as I have a two year gap when I was not employed, and bringing up my two new babies, and have not received any NI credit contributions. 

Were you not in receipt of child benefit ? Will those years actually make a difference ?

MACKEM99

I have tried the Future Pension Service several times today.. Each time I jump thro all the hoops (press.....)  When I get to the last one and press it they cut me off.

I realise they are very busy but I cannot even get to the point where I am on hold??

London2023

I did get through to the Pension Service yesterday on 0800 731 0469 (NOT the Future Pension Service because I am over retirement age). They said you need to ring 0800 731 7898 and state that you were "new claims". The upshot was that they would not give details over the phone but would send me a statement which may take up to 6 weeks to arrive (clearly too late!).

I am certain that topping up my contributions (11years) is to my financial advantage. What do I do next?

p00hsticks

London2023 said:

I did get through to the Pension Service yesterday on 0800 731 0469 (NOT the Future Pension Service because I am over retirement age). They said you need to ring 0800 731 7898 and state that you were "new claims". The upshot was that they would not give details over the phone but would send me a statement which may take up to 6 weeks to arrive (clearly too late!).

I am certain that topping up my contributions (11years) is to my financial advantage. What do I do next?

If you are certain, then phone HMRC to get the 18 digit code to make an online payment for the years, or write to them with a cheque and the relevant details. 
Are you currently claiming your state pension ? 
If you tell us what you currently get and where the gaps in your NI record are, peopleqd  here can probably confirm your thinking about buying the years.