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Checking record without ID.

I'm trying to help a neighbour who lives a very solitary existence, with no support network. 

I've gradually gained his trust and he asked me to help him apply for his state pension. He has a letter with an access code, but his pension due date is less than 6 weeks away. 

The problem we have is that we don't know what he will get, and he has no photo ID to pass verification for the Government Gateway.  I understand that once his pension goes into payment the forecast will no longer be available, so we are on a short timetable. 

Is there a way to get a forecast quickly without ID?  They clearly know who he is, as they are writing to him at his home address. 

I've no idea if he would be able or willing to pay additional years, but he is fairly sure that he doesn't have a complete record, and it would be good for him to know how he stands.  

Comments

  • p00hsticks
    p00hsticks Posts: 15,154
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    edited 20 July 2023 at 6:05PM
    I'm not sure what the response times are like at present - it has apparently been difficult to even get in the queue recently - but he could try phoning the Future Pension Centre 
    Contact the Future Pension Centre - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
    As you've realised, he'd need to do it before he reaches SPA though. 

    After that, the route is to phone the Pension Service, but they can't provide details over the phone, they'll respond by post. 
  • Hi,
    there was a similar THREAD yesterday with some hints.
  • squirrelpie
    squirrelpie Posts: 1,802
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    Hi,
    there was a similar THREAD yesterday with some hints.
    I agree but the supposed link to that thread is actually to this one, so doesn't help much.
  • molerat
    molerat Posts: 36,579
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    Hi,
    there was a similar THREAD yesterday with some hints.
    I agree but the supposed link to that thread is actually to this one, so doesn't help much.



    Never associate with idiots on their own level, because, being an intelligent man, you'll try to deal with them on their level - and on their level they'll beat you every time.

    Being hated by idiots is the price you pay for not being one of them.

    Jean Cocteau 1889-1963

  • Hi,
    Hi,
    there was a similar THREAD yesterday with some hints.
    I agree but the supposed link to that thread is actually to this one, so doesn't help much.
    oops, that's the one I meant to link to, thanks.
  • toomuchinfo
    toomuchinfo Posts: 211
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    edited 21 July 2023 at 6:56PM
    I would suggest using the access code to claim his pension, he will then get a letter within a few days with the amount and payment dates (mine took less than a week earlier this year). He will still be able to top up once it’s in payment if he can.
  • Nebulous2
    Nebulous2 Posts: 6,059
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    Thanks for all the help:-

    Just to update this - we applied for the pension online and have sent away a BR19 to ask for a pension forecast. He has already had a letter telling him what he will get for his pension and it is around £490 every 4 weeks, so quite a bit short of a full pension. 

    It appears that his best option might be to apply for pension credit.... 
  • molerat
    molerat Posts: 36,579
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    edited 26 July 2023 at 8:16PM
    I would suggest using the access code to claim his pension, he will then get a letter within a few days with the amount and payment dates (mine took less than a week earlier this year). He will still be able to top up once it’s in payment if he can.
    SIL applied on line 5th June, heard diddly so far !

    Never associate with idiots on their own level, because, being an intelligent man, you'll try to deal with them on their level - and on their level they'll beat you every time.

    Being hated by idiots is the price you pay for not being one of them.

    Jean Cocteau 1889-1963

  • toomuchinfo
    toomuchinfo Posts: 211
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    molerat said:
    I would suggest using the access code to claim his pension, he will then get a letter within a few days with the amount and payment dates (mine took less than a week earlier this year). He will still be able to top up once it’s in payment if he can.
    SIL applied on line 5th June, heard diddly so far !

    Oh dear, mine took less than a week as I said.
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