How long for State Pension forecast to be updated after cheque cashed? 13 March at 11:40AM edited 13 March at 11:43AM in Pensions, annuities & retirement planning 16 replies 657 views

sham63

I sent a cheque for missing years, which was cashed in mid December - I also received a 'payment received' letter at the time.

My forecast has not been updated as yet, anyone know how long is it taking at the moment?

I have tried to phone them, but couldn't get through after 40 mins on hold - the pre-recorded message states 8 weeks, but this is week 12 for me now.

molerat

The application of the additional years is 100% down to someone typing in the details for each year so with the amount going on at the moment it is taking a long time.  The only way would be to contact them and they will likely push it to the front of the queue.  If the cheque has been cashed and you have the payment letter then there is no real panic unless you are reaching SP in the next few months in which case it would be picked up on the manual checks.  As long as you know the effects your payment has made then I wouldn't stress too much.

sham63

Thanks, just trying to avoid calling them and listening to that awful music while I'm on hold. It's like psychological torture!

Nelliegrace

I did not receive a “payment received” letter. I made the payment for extra NI years  mid-November and got notification of my increased pension forecast two months later. 

pinnks

HMRC do not send receipts for payments unless you ask for one after the fact

sham63

I asked for 'confirmation of payment received'  in my covering letter, so I assume that's why I received a letter from them.

molerat

sham63 said:

I asked for 'confirmation of payment received'  in my covering letter, so I assume that's why I received a letter from them.

Correct https://www.gov.uk/pay-voluntary-class-3-national-insurance/by-post

If you want a receipt, include a note asking for one.

sham63

Just to update this thread - my forecast still wasn't updated so I phoned today (on hold for 1 hr 5 mins ) and spoke to a very helpful lady who ticked the appropriate boxes on my record, took her all of 30 seconds. Thanks Molerat!

GrubbyGirl_2

I paid by bank transfer 6 weeks ago and nothing showing yet. 

kippers

I paid just over a week ago by bank transfer and they have updated all my years except the oldest year??  I couldnt face trying to get through by phone so i wrote to them instead…dont know when ill get an answer

MACKEM99

I am in the process of sorting my ni missed years and intend to send payment by chq spec delivery next day to be signed for.  I guess I am old school but not happy to send large amount by bank transfer in case a digit is wrong and stories of money going missing scared me as bank transfer cannot be claimed back if done incorrectly?