Additional voluntary NI contributions

Dazed_and_C0nfused

calypso_rhapsody said:

Thanks to all who commented on my original query. After trying a ridiculous amount of time to get through to Future Pensions i eventually contacted my MP whose assistant managed to get me and my husband 18 digit references.  I regret having to use his support but i was getting quite annoyed about spending so much time holding on the phone only to get cut off!

Now my b-i-l has told me of a lady who has been told that even though she has 35 years full contributions she must top up her last year contributions (by about £200) in order to preserve about £5 per week of future pension.  Does this make sense to anyone?

You seem a bit confused about a few things.

Future pension centre don't provide the 18 digit reference, that's HMRC's job.  But you don't actually need it anyway, there is guidance on gov.uk explaining how to make a payment without the reference.

The 35 years rules only apply to those starting to build up their NI record from 2016 onwards.  Everyone else falls under transitional rules where the number of years will vary depending on their NI history.

Going off posters on here the range has been 28 to 50 years being needed to reach the standard new State Pension of £203.85.

p00hsticks

Dazed_and_C0nfused said:

calypso_rhapsody said:

Thanks to all who commented on my original query. After trying a ridiculous amount of time to get through to Future Pensions i eventually contacted my MP whose assistant managed to get me and my husband 18 digit references.  I regret having to use his support but i was getting quite annoyed about spending so much time holding on the phone only to get cut off!

Now my b-i-l has told me of a lady who has been told that even though she has 35 years full contributions she must top up her last year contributions (by about £200) in order to preserve about £5 per week of future pension.  Does this make sense to anyone?

Future pension centre don't provide the 18 digit reference, that's HMRC's job.  But you don't actually need it anyway, there is guidance on gov.uk explaining how to make a payment without the reference.

Although people need to be aware that if they do this off their own bat without first speaking to the Future Pensions Centre / Pension Service (or posting up details of their forecast on this board for comment) they are taking the risk that the payments they make for the years they request may not necessarily increase their state pension. We've had at least one case recently of people purchasing incorrect years, and others of buying years that simply weren't necessary.

QrizB

p00hsticks said:

Although people need to be aware that if they do this off their own bat without first speaking to the Future Pensions Centre / Pension Service (or posting up details of their forecast on this board for comment) they are taking the risk that the payments they make for the years they request may not necessarily increase their state pension. We've had at least one case recently of people purchasing incorrect years, and others of buying years that simply weren't necessary.

Am I right to think that post-2016 years will always work, assuming you need extra years and haven't already maxed out your SP? It's pre-2016 ones which need some care?

Doctor_Who

QrizB said:

p00hsticks said:

Although people need to be aware that if they do this off their own bat without first speaking to the Future Pensions Centre / Pension Service (or posting up details of their forecast on this board for comment) they are taking the risk that the payments they make for the years they request may not necessarily increase their state pension. We've had at least one case recently of people purchasing incorrect years, and others of buying years that simply weren't necessary.

Am I right to think that post-2016 years will always work, assuming you need extra years and haven't already maxed out your SP? It's pre-2016 ones which need some care?

That is my (basic) understanding. There is a possibility that a post 2016 year might only add a few pence (to get to the maximum), so would not be worth buying.

LEthERaD

LEthERaD said:

Thanks for the quick reply. Is it possible to move the payment into a year post 2016?

Just to confirm for others, I was allowed to move the payment I made in error for a pre 2016 year to a post 2016 year. It cost a bit more, but have now had confirmation that I will receive the full state pension. Thanks all.