Am I misreading gov.uk advice about not needing to top up my state pension?

wilmabeetle

Hello

My pension forecast says I am on track to receive the max state pension as long as I keep working for another 3 years. Looking at my NI contributions, there are 3 gaps between 2006-2009 that I did not provide enough NI for. Each gap year's contribution should have been £825 apparently. The Gov website says I don't need to top up the pension because there are no gaps. Is this because they are estimating I will soon have earned enough contributions to ensure I have the full pension?  I am 55 and may retire from my NHS post when I am in my early 60's but still unsure about that decision. Thankyou for any advice you can offer.

Dazed_and_C0nfused

wilmabeetle said:

Hello

My pension forecast says I am on track to receive the max state pension as long as I keep working for another 3 years. Looking at my NI contributions, there are 3 gaps between 2006-2009 that I did not provide enough NI for. Each gap year's contribution should have been £825 apparently. The Gov website says I don't need to top up the pension because there are no gaps. Is this because they are estimating I will soon have earned enough contributions to ensure I have the full pension?  I am 55 and may retire from my NHS post when I am in my early 60's but still unsure about that decision. Thankyou for any advice you can offer.

What does your forecast actually say?

The full detail, not just you're on track for £221.20

wilmabeetle

Hi Dazed

It says I am estimated to get £204.97 a week based on my record until 5th April 2024 and if I keep contributing for 3 more years before 2036 I will get £221.20 a week. It then later says I have no gaps in NI contributions but there were 3 years with missing contributions between 2006 and 2009.
Many thanks
Wilma

Dazed_and_C0nfused

wilmabeetle said:

Hi Dazed

It says I am estimated to get £204.97 a week based on my record until 5th April 2024 and if I keep contributing for 3 more years before 2036 I will get £221.20 a week. It then later says I have no gaps in NI contributions but there were 3 years with missing contributions between 2006 and 2009.
Many thanks
Wilma

Are you going to add three more years by 2036?

If yes then why are you bothered about the earlier years with missing contributions 🤔

Sarahspangles

wilmabeetle said:

Hi Dazed

It says I am estimated to get £204.97 a week based on my record until 5th April 2024 and if I keep contributing for 3 more years before 2036 I will get £221.20 a week. It then later says I have no gaps in NI contributions but there were 3 years with missing contributions between 2006 and 2009.
Many thanks
Wilma

You’ll already have this year that is just coming to an end, so just two to go. It sounds like you don’t need to be concerned about those earlier years. 

molerat

It then later says I have no gaps in NI contributions

Where does it state that ?  I have never seen such a comment on the forecast.

But as above, the forecast clearly states you need 3 more years and you are going to be working for at least that amount of time, including this year nearly ended, then there is no need to top up.

wilmabeetle

Thanks everyone, yes sounds like I don't need to worry so will keep on keeping on.. 

best wishes
Nicola