39 years contribution but 5 years gap recently...I think my wife is OK for a full pension but.....

Gazzer1uk

I am hoping I am correct but keen for some of your expertise to confirm.

My wife has 38 years of full State Pension contribution from 1982. Since 2019 to date she has only one more year of full contributions so in total 39 years of contributions. The forecast shows she would get the full amount and it can't increase.

That suggests topping up is not needed and will simply be an unnecessary cost.

She is unlikely no at the age of nearly 59 to be working where she earns more than the threshold for NI contributions. 

On this basis then, I believe she will receive the full pension as it stands, but would be really grateful for someone to dot the "i" for me here!

Thanks,

Gaz

molerat

The forecast will clearly state what is needed.  Don't just look at the big green box, that is what you could get by the time you retire, but the text below that, the most important bit.  That will state what your amount up to April 2024 is and then how many, if any, years are needed to reach that big green box amount.  As long as it states this one and only amount in that text she is home and dry.

£221.20 is the most you can get
You cannot improve your forecast any more.

Gazzer1uk

Thank you Molerat, that is indeed what the box and text says...

Your forecast is £221.20 a week, £961.83 a month, £11,541.90 a year

Your forecast

• is not a guarantee and is based on the current law
• is based on your National Insurance record up to 5 April 2024
• does not include any increase due to inflation

£221.20 is the most you can get

You cannot improve your forecast any more.

So I think we are high and dry then, thanks for your input, it is appreciated!!!