National Insurance Contributions - Has anyone actually got through to speak with Future Pensions?

Nemue

Hello.  I realise this may have been raised already (by many!) but has anyone managed to speak with someone about purchasing missing gaps in their National Insurance?  I registered for a call back in March - received two "robotic sounding" phone calls during April and May asking for my DOB and National Insurance number - was terrified they were scam calls - then no indication if anyone would call me back.  I've gone on the site and it says that I can't purchase the gaps online and to ring Future Pensions office.  When I ring them there is no option applicable to this so tried holding to speak with someone about my Pension Forecast but was on hold forever so gave up.  Just wondered what everyone else's experience was? Albeit they are not urgent requirements but nevertheless I think 4 months waiting for a phone call back or to be able to get in touch with someone is ludicrous! There isn't even an email address that you can write to. 

molerat

There have been several on here reporting they have spoken to FPC.  Best bet is to phone dead on 8am to stand any chance of getting through.

Although DWP have been a bit lax their predicament was impossible because they could never train enough people to cover the explosion of contacts caused by a) people leaving everything to the last minute b) not checking on their pension entitlement until after they had already retired and c) FOMO time wasters calling up just in case.

Mee

I'm the same. I received a call & two text messages. I called  08007310175 after checking it, and was successful mid-morning. Had to speak to two bods & got the details I needed. My bank (like most) already has HMRC payee details set-up, but checked with DWP as to the right payee name.
I had details of the years I wanted to pay for full years to hand to check the amount with them. You have to agree on the amount -  I was instructed to pay the exact amount, i.e. not to round up the amount.
I paid for the years where I had the least amount to pay to make them full years.

Nemue

Thank you both for your comments above - much appreciated.  Will keep trying.