Daily Mail feature on topping up the state pension 14th June 2023

dealyboy

Money Mail (Daily Mail) today has headlined a three page feature on topping up the state pension by paying for 'missing' years of NI contributions, taking credit (sic) for the extensions of the time period by ten years and the new deadline of April 2025.

Unfortunately they have promoted the opportunity with sensationalist figures, have perpetuated a myth and made a glaring omission. Laura Trott (Minister for Pension DWP) and Victoria Atkins (Financial Secretary to the Treasury) have contributed to the 'special', thanking Money Mail.

The myth ...
Under 'HOW MUCH SHOULD I GET'
" ... Those on the 'new' state pension need 35 years of NI contributions to get the full 'flat rate' amount - £203.85 a week. ..."
and under 'IS TOPPING UP EVER A WASTE OF CASH?'
" ... Similarly, there is no point buying additional NI years if you are likely to have 35 years of contributions by the time you hit state pension age. It won't increase your payout and you may not get your money back. ..."
This is also disappointing because full information is provided on how to check the NI records and get a pension forecast.

The omission ...
They have failed to mention that topping up the state pension may not be suitable for those on means tested benefits and may disqualify the claimant from pension credit.

Dazed_and_C0nfused

Are you really surprised a tabloid hasn't give accurate information 😳

dealyboy

Dazed_and_C0nfused said:

Are you really surprised a tabloid hasn't give accurate information 😳

No ... but disappointed (again).

You know what to expect don't you ... more work for this board 

pinnks

More importantly, more irrelevant calls to DWP/HMRC and a lot more annoyed and frustrated people blaming those departments for the long wait times!