Missing NI from 2010 to 2011

andysan

I’ve been a harvester of good info from this forum for many years but it’s time for a specific question that I hope someone can help us with.

We’re looking to buy a few years NI contributions for my wife to improve her state pension. She’ll be 60 in November.

We could do with some help working out which years are worth buying. We’ve tried on the phone but aren’t getting through.

Here’s the details from her Gov account:-

You need to continue to contribute National Insurance to reach your forecast

Estimate based on your National Insurance record up to 5 April 2022

£144.16 a week

Forecast if you contribute until 5 April 2030

£190.75 a week

You can improve your forecast

You have shortfalls in your National Insurance record that you can fill and make count towards your State Pension.

The most you can increase your forecast to is

£203.85 a week

You have:

• 25 years of full contributions
• 8 years to contribute before 5 April 2030
• 18 years when you did not contribute enough

Now - years 2006/2007 to 2021/2022 are all around £824 to buy.

However my wife worked part of 2010/2011 and this is down as ~£380 to buy.

We plan to buy two or three years’ worth this year and then every year moving forward.

My question is – will filling the 2010/2011 gap actually contribute or are we best sticking to later years. If so, from when should we start?

Any help gratefully received.

molerat

Is there a COPE amount shown on her forecast - in a click link in "You've been in a contracted-out pension scheme" if there is one ? Her pre 2016 amount is based on the old scheme meaning she can safely buy up to 5 more pre 2016 years if she wanted to. That part filled year is a good buy and will add the lower £5.21.  She needs a total of 11 years to reach the max with 7 available going forward (8 including 22-23), pre 2016 years adding £5.21 v £5.82 for post. 

Priority buys would be 2010-11 & 2020-21 at £795.60 before August and then 21-22 at £800.80 before April 2024.  The rest can be picked up as you go along (or maybe a couple more earlier years at £824.20 before August, your choice) making sure you fill them before the end of 2 years after the end of the year to keep the in year price. 

That part year will take her to £149.37 and another 9 post 2016 to £201.79 leaving £2.06 short - your decision if it is worth paying a full year for that.

Would she be able to claim granny credits for looking after grandchildren ?

andysan

Thank you for that reply - crystal clear and extremely helpful.

Apologies - I missed that COPE bit out. I've seen so many posts asking for it and clear forgot:-

Contracted Out Pension Equivalent (COPE)

Your COPE estimate is £6.97 a week

There's no route for granny credits I'm afraid. However you've helped with our strategy going forward - much appreciated.