Contracted Out Pension Equivalent (COPE)

AP5095

I have checked my state pension forecast and it says I am eligible for a full state pension when I reach the relevant age. It also gives a COPE estimate as I was contracted out, many years ago. I have received conflicting advice on whether this figure will actually be deducted from my state pension entitlement. Will the COPE figure be deducted from my pension or will I receive the full state pension? Many thanks for your answers.

Pat38493

No the COPE figure won’t be deducted from the pension.  You just need to make sure that on the page with your pension estimate, it says something like “you cannot increase your forecast any further”.  Sometimes under the headline amount it will then say something like that you may need to contribute x more years to get to the full amount and your current amount is x.

If it doesn’t say that and it just says “you cannot improve any further” you are good to go.

xylophone

I have checked my state pension forecast and it says I am eligible for a full state pension when I reach the relevant age.

Your COPE was used once only at 6/4/16 to establish your "starting amount" for new state pension.

What exactly does your state pension forecast show as

• Headline forecast
• 
  
•  Amount accrued so far and whether up to April 2022 or April 2023
• 
  
•  Number of years going forward before you reach state pension age
• 
  
• Number of full years prior to April 2016
• 
  
• Number of full years after April 2016
• 
  
•  Years where there are gaps in your NI record and how much is quoted to pay them
• 
  
•  COPE value 

Dazed_and_C0nfused

AP5095 said:

I have checked my state pension forecast and it says I am eligible for a full state pension when I reach the relevant age. It also gives a COPE estimate as I was contracted out, many years ago. I have received conflicting advice on whether this figure will actually be deducted from my state pension entitlement. Will the COPE figure be deducted from my pension or will I receive the full state pension? Many thanks for your answers.

As you have clearly read the COPE element of your forecast why do you think this might be a possibility 🤔