Official record says I have 9 years of contributions but only lists 6?

rhedyn

I'm a slightly unusual situation as I began work in the UK in late 2008 and left work in mid 2013, so my NI record shows full year contributions for 2008 through 2013 as expected (6 years listed) but states in the summary at the top that I have 9 years of full contributions.  Since it may be a while before I can successfully get through on the DWP phone line, does anyone know why this might be?  Two of the listed years have very large contributions (multiples of the other full years), is it possible they counted for more than one, and if so can that be valid?  Or is it more likely to be an error?

molerat

How old are you ?  Pre 2010 you got 3 freebies for being 16, 17 & 18 which is the most likely reason.

rhedyn

I'm 57.  I came to the UK in 2008 which is why my record starts then.  If I lucked into 3 backdated freebies as you say then that does make 9, that would certainly be nice! 

molerat

The 3 years were given out to everyone who was 16. 17 & 18 pre 2010 even if they were not resident at the relevant age. The blanket approach was far easier than figuring out who was actually entitled.