Pay back NI for year living abroad

setnof

Good morning
I've immigrated to the uk in August 2015.
I have NI contributions since that date, including credits from child benefit.
I am 53 years old.
Can I buy NI from years before 2015 to top up my future pension?
Also, I have about 20 years of contributions paid in my country of origin (Portugal). Would these count towards my pension in the UK and if yes, what would be the process?
Thank you

molerat

You cannot add to your pension entitlement for years before you arrived in the UK.  You should be on track for around £170 though, your forecast should show the maximum you can get.  You should also be entitled to a pension from Portugal.  If the minimum required is more than 20 years you should be able to aggregate your UK and Portugal years to take you above that minimum so you can receive that 20 years worth.  There are social security agreements in place to allow for this but a Portugal / UK ex pats forum might be a better place for that info. https://www.seg-social.pt/documents/10152/17531337/Guidance+UK+(social-security-arrangements-between-uk-and-eu-jan-2021).pdf/72345e5c-9172-4692-bf1d-9df640a2722a

Brie

You might want to check how much you might get from Portugal as well rather than simply lump them together.