N.I. Contribution top up question.

what-a-save

I am hoping ‘molerat’ or one of the other knowledge contributors on the forum can clarify, offer guidance on my question please. 

I am considering paying voluntary N.I. contributions (post 2016 gaps) to achieve a full (almost) state pension.

A couple of questions I have:

1. I was C.O.P.E. and wishing to confirm that paying the voluntary contributions (post 2016) will indeed add to my state pension?     

2. Do I need to phone ‘Future pensions’ to obtain the 18 digit reference number in order to make the contributions or can I do it online without the 18 digit reference number?

I am aware Martin Lewis is presenting a feature on the subject tonight and I don’t wish to add to the potential phone melt down which is likely to result!!!

I am aware it is already an oversubscribed telephone system. 

Estimate based on NI record up to 5th April 2024 - £182.09

Number of full NI years 15/16 earlier - 41 years

Number of full NI years 16/17 later - 0 years

Tax year of retirement - 25/26

COPE amount - £100.22

Many thanks in advance. 

tetrarch

The new online system is absolutely superb IMO

Mrs Tet topped up her pension a couple of weeks ago. The system shows you your history and then details how much each year will cost you and sorts them in the optimum order for payment. 

It really is very simple indeed

Regards and good luck

Tet

Dazed_and_C0nfused

what-a-save said:

I am hoping ‘molerat’ or one of the other knowledge contributors on the forum can clarify, offer guidance on my question please. 

I am considering paying voluntary N.I. contributions (post 2016 gaps) to achieve a full (almost) state pension.

A couple of questions I have:

1. I was C.O.P.E. and wishing to confirm that paying the voluntary contributions (post 2016) will indeed add to my state pension?     

2. Do I need to phone ‘Future pensions’ to obtain the 18 digit reference number in order to make the contributions or can I do it online without the 18 digit reference number?

I am aware Martin Lewis is presenting a feature on the subject tonight and I don’t wish to add to the potential phone melt down which is likely to result!!!

I am aware it is already an oversubscribed telephone system. 

Estimate based on NI record up to 5th April 2024 - £182.09

Number of full NI years 15/16 earlier - 41 years

Number of full NI years 16/17 later - 0 years

Tax year of retirement - 25/26

COPE amount - £100.22

Many thanks in advance. 

Six post 2016 years should take you to £220.01/week.

A seventh will add the final £1.19 so not as good value but worth considering.

Ayr_Rage

I was in a similar position and wanted to buy 6 years, all post 2016.

Using the online system I tried to pay online but once I selected the "I've already stopped paying NI" option, paying online was not an option and I had to call to get the magic number.