Full state pension and NI contributions

Disbelievers

I have 46 full years national insurance and due to claim my state pension in three years. I’m 63 and unable to work due to ill health (not my choice). I’ve just gone on to gov.uk and my forecast is full pension but on looking at my NI history it says I have a shortfall in the last tax year of £540. I will not be paying NI for next three years either as unable to work. Does this mean I won’t get full state pension even though I’ve paid full NI for 46 years?  Thank you

p00hsticks

Sorry, I can't remember the exact wording but if your forecast includes something like the words ' your forecast is £221.20 - this is the most you can get - you cannot improve your forecast any more' then there is no need to worry. 

Once you have sufficient contributions to qualify you for the full amount you don't need to make any further ones even if it results in gaps in your record (although those that continue to work still have to pay the NI) 

The number of years required to reach that maximum will vary from person to person depending on their individual record pre-2016 when the new State Pension was introduced - some with 46 years will have reached the maximum, some, wont. 

If your forecast says something like 'your forecast is £221.20 if you contribute another x years '  then you would need to look into making voluntary contributions if you wish to reach the maximum. 

Cobbler_tone

I thought it was 35 years....

Ayr_Rage

Cobbler_tone said:

I thought it was 35 years....

Very unhelpful and totally incorrect for anyone that has an NI history prior to 2016.

Cobbler_tone

Ayr_Rage said:

Cobbler_tone said:

I thought it was 35 years....

Very unhelpful and totally incorrect for anyone that has an NI history prior to 2016.

The clue was in the similes and it's a running theme on here. Rage by name....

Ultimately most people know by now that they can easily log on (once registered) rather than second guess. 

molerat

If that £221.20 is the one and only amount on the forecast - don't just look at the big green box at the top but read all the amounts and text below that - and it states in the text below the box

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

then you are already at the maximum and that is what you will get whatever you do, or don't do, in the future.