Backdated State Pension

safcpenshaw

I am currently drawing my State Pension but do not get the full State Pension as I have 3 years of NI contribution shortfall . 

With the change in the law , if I make these 3 years voluntary contributions, will the increase in my State Pension be backdated to the date that I started drawing down my State Pension? 

molerat

No, it will be backdated to receipt of the payment.  What change in the law ? The only change since the implementation of the 2013 act has been an extension to the payment time frames.

safcpenshaw

Thank you. Yes that what I meant , a change in the time frame . 

That’s a bit harsh as I’ve been waiting for my letter since 19.04.23., and I’m told I cannot make the payment until I get the letter (which shows how the voluntary contributions affect my weekly pension .)  

Dazed_and_C0nfused

safcpenshaw said:

Thank you. Yes that what I meant , a change in the time frame . 

That’s a bit harsh as I’ve been waiting for my letter since 19.04.23., and I’m told I cannot make the payment until I get the letter (which shows how the voluntary contributions affect my weekly pension .)  

That's definitely wrong.

You can easily get an explanation of which (available) years will add to your existing entitlement on here.  There are countless threads where that's already happened and people have gone ahead and bought the years they think are worthwhile for their own circumstances.

The key is being able to provide sufficient information about your existing entitlement, available gaps, cost of filling those years.  And the tax year you reached State Pension age in.

It's not alway the case but a common scenario is that only post 2016 years will increase your entitlement.

safcpenshaw

I know the 3 years voluntary I need to pay but I’ve been told I cannot pay until the letter arrives. I took my state pension 2 years ago. Does anyone know a number to ring so I can pay my 3 years ? 

Dazed_and_C0nfused

Just send a cheque as per the guidance on gov.uk

https://www.gov.uk/pay-voluntary-class-3-national-insurance/by-post

safcpenshaw

Just been told I cannot pay Class 2 voluntary ni , but have to pay Class 3 voluntary NI rates as I am now drawing my state pension . 

Before I drew my State Pension , I payed Class 2 voluntary NI ! 

Seems very unfair given the difference in costs 

MattMattMattUK

safcpenshaw said:

Just been told I cannot pay Class 2 voluntary ni , but have to pay Class 3 voluntary NI rates as I am now drawing my state pension . 

Before I drew my State Pension , I payed Class 2 voluntary NI ! 

Seems very unfair given the difference in costs 

I would say in general the top up scheme is unfair on other taxpayers who have to carry the cost. The scheme works out very generous for those taking advantage of it, that can hardly be regarded as unfair.

jem16

safcpenshaw said:

Just been told I cannot pay Class 2 voluntary ni , but have to pay Class 3 voluntary NI rates as I am now drawing my state pension . 

Before I drew my State Pension , I payed Class 2 voluntary NI ! 

Seems very unfair given the difference in costs 

Who has told you this? The DWP, HMRC or someone else? As far as I'm aware if you were eligible to pay Class 2 for the years you want to pay, you should be able to pay Class 2.

xylophone

https://www.gov.uk/voluntary-national-insurance-contributions/who-can-pay-voluntary-contributions