DWP/HMRC didn't call

jem16

MrsSue said:

jem16 said:

I assume all you need now is the 18 digit reference number from HMRC to allow you to pay online/by bank transfer? If I were you I’d contact HMRC directly as you’ve been given the necessary information about which years to pay. You can either phone them (probably at 8am) or try the HMRC Digital Assistant - just say adviser twice to get a real person and ask for your reference number. Advisers aren’t always available so persevere. 

Yes, that's all I need now. I have tried the digital assistant. Either no one is available, or I get a 'Sorry, there’s a problem with this service. Refresh the page to try again.' message. I shall persevere. Thanks.

Don’t persevere too long. Phone them at 8am and you should get through quickly. 

MrsSue

Finally, I got through to DWP and they put me through to HMRC, so I have my code and payment details. Thank goodness for that! Thanks jem16 for your help.

dada23

What phone number did they give you to find out how to pay? They gave me 0300 200 5500, but it doesn't work.
First I got the phone call asking for my NI number and date of birth, then about 6 weeks later (last week) I get a call telling me to ring this number 0300 200 5500 to get the info on how much I can pay to top up my pension but as I said its a deads number.

molerat

dada23 said:

What phone number did they give you to find out how to pay? They gave me 0300 200 5500, but it doesn't work.
First I got the phone call asking for my NI number and date of birth, then about 6 weeks later (last week) I get a call telling me to ring this number 0300 200 5500 to get the info on how much I can pay to top up my pension but as I said its a deads number.

What precisely are you trying to do ?  Are you already past state pension age ? The NI helpline, which can tell you how much each year will cost, is 0300 200 3500.

dada23

molerat said:

dada23 said:

What phone number did they give you to find out how to pay? They gave me 0300 200 5500, but it doesn't work.
First I got the phone call asking for my NI number and date of birth, then about 6 weeks later (last week) I get a call telling me to ring this number 0300 200 5500 to get the info on how much I can pay to top up my pension but as I said its a deads number.

What precisely are you trying to do ?  Are you already past state pension age ? The NI helpline, which can tell you how much each year will cost, is 0300 200 3500.

I'm getting my pension in March 2026 and am trying to top up my years. I've got the number wrong, it seems. Thank you.
Is there a rough idea of how much it costs to top up years? Currently, it says I'll be getting £118 a week, but my NI contributions show I was working in the years they claim I wasn't.

molerat

Do you have access to your on line tax account or a printed NI record as both of those will show the price to fill each year.  The full price for a year is, depending on which year and if you have pre April protected status, between £795 and £923 each.  A current entitlement of £118 suggests you are around 17 years short of the full pension. 

but my NI contributions show I was working in the years they claim I wasn't.

What is showing you have made contributions ?

MiddleC

Has everyone received their phone calls from someone who should be advising on whether HMRC’s estimate of the pension payable to us on retirement is correct, the cost of buying years and everything Martin explained in his excellent podcast. I signed up as advised but it’s much longer than 6 weeks. I have had the brief call. From them to check on NI number and date of  birth. Since then, nothing. My retirement is scheduled for December 24th. Has anyone got an update or suggestions please?  Is there a massive backlog?  Thanks v much. 

molerat

MiddleC said:

 Is there a massive backlog? 

Yes.  You could try calling at 8am sharp.

Why do you want to speak to them ?  Is your forecast showing you will be short ?