Future pensions centre - calls never queued, just cut off

InvesterJones

Is this normal? I'd expect to be put in some kind of queue, but all I get are some beeps and then the call is ended. (Choosing options 'all other enquires' and then 'query about forecast' - I'm wanting to make a voluntary contribution).

p00hsticks

From other posts on the board, my understanding is that there appears to be a limit to the size of the queue, so if there are already a lot of people queueing and the queue is full you simply get cut off straight away.

InvesterJones

OK yes, just found those other posts now! I should have searched harder.

noitsnotme

The day I managed to get through I started phoning at 8am.  It took over an hour and over 70 re-dials just to get a place in the queue.

I think it was then around another hours wait in the queue before I finally got to speak to someone.

Then I had to phone HMRC which was around another 45 minute wait in another queue.

SilverFox60

Same problems here. Numerous failed attempts to even get into a call queue. Has anyone had any success writing to the Future Pensions team, for specific advice on how many years N.I. to top up, and actually received a detailed reply. In other words is it worth writing to them?

xylophone

What exactly does your state pension forecast say?

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

molerat

SilverFox60 said:

Same problems here. Numerous failed attempts to even get into a call queue. Has anyone had any success writing to the Future Pensions team, for specific advice on how many years N.I. to top up, and actually received a detailed reply. In other words is it worth writing to them?

Post the details from your forecast and you will get that info from us here.

Current £££.pp amount accrued up to April 2022
Number of pre 2016 NI years full
Number of post 2016 NI years full
Tax year you reach state retirement
Any COPE amount shown
Years which show not full and prices

MACKEM99

noitsnotme said:

The day I managed to get through I started phoning at 8am.  It took over an hour and over 70 re-dials just to get a place in the queue.

I think it was then around another hours wait in the queue before I finally got to speak to someone.

Then I had to phone HMRC which was around another 45 minute wait in another queue.

Persistence rewarded indeed!