Should I “buy back the years” since working in the EEA to boost state pension?

cHollyberry

Firstly, thank you for everything you do MSE!

I have 9 qualifying years from the UK on my National Insurance record. In 2006 I started working in the EEA and understand that the time I have spent making contributions there can be added to the years in my UK National Insurance record, meaning I will qualify for a UK State Pension.

What I am confused about is the amount I will actually receive when I claim, as I understand that will only be based on the 9 years National Insurance contributions I made in the UK. I.e. should I be “buying back the years” I have been out of the country since 2006 in order to get a higher UK State pension? I also wonder how all this will affect what I receive as state pension from Spain, where I have worked since 2006. 

I also heard something about those who work abroad being able to “buy back years” at a lower rate: Category 2, (presumably because we have not made use of any state services that NI pays for whislt we have lived abroad). Could you shed some light on this, please?

I have already requested a call back from the Future Pension Service.

molerat

You cannot get a UK pension with under 10 years ...... but ...... your EEA years will be aggregated taking you above that 10 so you will be able to claim the 9.  You will be able to add to those years with voluntary contributions  at class 2 - £180ish per year - and receive both an EEA pension and UK pension covering the same period. Social Security abroad: NI38 - GOV.UK