What immediate actions do the DWP require during a Forecast/VC call-back? What happens if missed?

Arc_2

I've just spent an hour trying to access the HMRC forums, but they've disabled the Register function and the "Report a problem" form isn't working, so I though I try this here, as I assume some people have already gone through it.

Basically:

Do I have to immediately make VC decisions during the call? If not, is there a limited window after it? Will that change after April 5th?

Giffgaff is really messing my family around with our mobiles: we regularly get texts days after sent and recently we're getting "Network not available for calls" message, even though the mast signal is supposedly fine and we've replaced our sims.

What happens if the call-back can't get through? Or I'm not prepared, because Giffgaff has delayed the preparation message.

I spoke to a FP rep and gave both my mobile and landline number, but later followed Martin's advice and used the online form to timestamps some screenshots with my mobile number. I doubt the system will be smart enough to overwrite anything, but it could be.

I'm under 40, but some inheritance that was transferred directly to me means I don't qualify for some supports, so I've been considering maybe even buying some of my full years, as an investment.

Thank you for any insight or help.

QrizB

Arc_2 said:

I'm under 40, but some inheritance that was transferred directly to me means I don't qualify for some supports, so I've been considering maybe even buying some of my full years, as an investment.

If you're under 40, you'll have at least 28 future years that you can buy. Plus access to the last six years, even after 5th April. Do you need any "old" past years at all?

Are you working, or are you receiving NI credits for not working?

What does your current state pension forecast say? All of it, not just the big green box?

https://www.gov.uk/check-state-pension

Arc_2

Thanks for replying.

I know I need to really dig in and consider what will make the most sense, though as I'm currently signed up to keep my options open, I want to be be sure how that would actually work, beyond the assurance that something would be allowed. I started this a year ago, but delayed while hoping the promised online system would actually be useful.

Currently not working, after taking some time volunteering, but I want to in the future again. Not getting any NI credits and I've assumed not eligible, because of the inheritance payment (Though looking into that now).

4 qualifying years, 2 partially paid unqualifying years.
Full qualification assuming 31 more years of sufficiently paying work. I have a few years in that between claiming pension and those 31.

I may not need any old years, though permanently committing to that is stressful step.

QrizB

I'm not a benefits expert - there's a "benefits" board here full of people who are - but I think there are some means-tested benefits where you can still get NI credits even if you have so many assets that your benefits are reduced to zero.

Depending on how full those partial years are, one or both might be worth buying. I'd suggest tat a year you can buy for under £200 is definitely worth it, under £400 maybe, over that is getting iffy.

Payind £824 for an old year makes relatively little sense when you can save that money now, earn interest on it (or invest it) and pay the same inflation-adjusted sum for a year in the 2030s.

Arc_2

Thank you, that makes sense and is definitely something else to look into.

It quite possibly doesn't make any sense to be paying for old years now, though feeling behind makes that stressful.

After putting it off I just need to burrow through it all now and try to make progress on all the details.

Part of me just wanted to confirm that if I get a call from DWP, that won't have to immediately commit to something I don't feel fully informed on and prepared for yet.

badmemory

Maybe think it all through now.  You already have 4 years so only 35 years less this - so 31 years.  If your age plus 31 is less than state pension age then there is no hurry.  

HOWEVER, if you do have some part paid years then they are well worth filling now as they will be cheaper than any later years.  So that is what you need to figure out.  If you know those part years then you know what you need to say - make a note of them as talking to these people can be stressful & notes will help you be able to deal with it.  If you are as lucky as I was when dealing with my sons they actually transferred my call to HMRC & I paid straight away.  Do let us know how you get on.