Missing Call Back from Pensions & Retrospective Claim NI Credits

jules99

I requested a call back a few weeks ago to avoid missing the 5th April deadline for buying back NI contributions, but I'm concerned that if they call back and I miss the call then the deadline will still apply or whether they will try ringing again on another date (doubt it).  I wish they would make it clear, as surely not everyone will hear their phone. Does anybody know this?

My issue is I completed a JCANCI form (to apply retrospectively for NI credits) which took me ages and handed it into a job centre six weeks ago and was told they would send it to Pensions via their internal system. I asked for proof that I handed it in but they don't do that. 

There's no point in my buying back credits (£950) if they decide to award me the credits.  For info for people in my situation, this is for not claiming Job Seekers Allowance when I wasn't working because I had left my job of my own accord but didn't realise I could sign on for credits only.  The form asked for proof that I had been seeking work during that time, but it was difficult to prove as it was 7-8 years ago. Luckily I found some old emails of applying for some jobs and an employment agency profile, so I feel I have a chance, but couldn't provide them with every job I applied for or even proof of interviews.

p00hsticks

Have you confirmed that you actually need that year ?
If you post the (redacted) details from your pension forecast people her will be able to tell you....

• Forecast amount as at State Pension Age
• Forecast amount earned up to April 2024
• Number of years you still need to contribute to reach the forecast
• Number of pre-2016 years full
• Number or post-2016 years full
• Years where there are gaps  

jules99

Thank you - I'm three years short so buying back up to three years would increase my weekly amount. £950 was the total over the three years, which would get me the full pension of £221.20 (the forecast amount). Two of the cheapest years to pay are post 2016 and one is pre 2016, although it doesn't give me the option to buy the pre 2016 year online so would need to speak to them. I know I wouldn't be entitled to pension credit due to my husband's private pension so it would be worthwhile for me to increase my weekly amount.

molerat

You likely cannot buy the pre 2016 year because it either would not add to your pension or it is showing as "checking".  If you post up the details asked someone will talk you through it.

Current weekly £££.pp amount up to April 2024.
Number of full NI years 15-16 and earlier
Number of full NI years 16-17 and later
Tax year you reach state retirement
Any COPE amount.  If you have "You've been in a contracted-out pension scheme" on your forecast then click
here https://www.tax.service.gov.uk/check-your-state-pension/account/cope whilst logged into your tax account
Years which show not full and prices

As for waiting for a form to processed I suspect you are looking at a year wait, anything sooner I would call a bonus.