Is this missing year worth buying?

Khandi

I've been claiming state pension since 2021. After many confusing/contradicting discussions with HMRC/DWP, I find I have a shortfall (£5.40 per week) corresponding with one year's missing NICs for 2018/19, the amount to pay being £824. (During this period I was ill and we were on Pension Credit but I did not claim sick/unemployment benefits.)

I've done all the background reading and number crunching with the calculators etc, and it seems that the top-up will pay off in around three years.

I can see that this might be worthwhile investment for the future, providing I live long enough to enjoy it. However, I've already missed out on around £1,060+ for the four years I've been on state pension. I also have three small pensions one that is active and two that I can draw on, so I will be taxed next year.

What I can't grasp is that some of the info I've read advises that there are situations where it is not advisable to pay the missing NICs. It concerns me that because it is a small shortfall I might fall into this category. Does anyone have any insights?

p00hsticks

Presumably you are no longer on Pension Credit ? I think one of the main reasons given why it may be better to leave it is if by not boosting it you would then be entitled to PC and all the attendant add-ons that come passported with it.....

Khandi

Thanks, that's a useful thought.

No, not on PC now and unlikely to be until my partner dies; however, even then I fancy I probably would not qualify for it.