Do I need to sign on?

longster70

ok that terminology may not be right, but bear with me.

I’ve stopped working. I’m 56. I’m drawing my pension (as meagre as it is) but have enough to live on. I have full NI credits to get full state pension when I get to that age. Do I need to inform DWP or anyone about my life choice? I’m not intending on claiming any benefits or the like.

Thoughts and feedback appreciated.

NedS

No, you do not need to sign on, nor do you need to inform DWP that you have stopped work.

The only reason to sign on would be if you wanted to claim Jobseekers Allowance or needed further NI contributions, but it sounds like you have retired and are not seeking work, so would not be eligible to claim anyway.

If you have sufficient years of NI to receive your full state pension when you reach state pension age, then you do not need to worry about that either. You can get a forecast online and post on the pensions forum to double check you have paid enough NI, as sometimes the forecast can be misleading.

Enjoy your retirement - I'm sure it's a great feeling to reach financial independence in your 50's.

longster70

Thank you so much for your response. I shall rest easy now and enjoy my retirement!

Muttleythefrog

Agree with above…. double check the NI record as you probably already have (can be done online through Government gateway account set up or the like.. seek out 'state pension forecast')…. as obviously missing years of NI to get the full state pension can be paid for if required in future

huckster

It may be beneficial to regularly complete volunteering with an organisation, if you are not doing so already.

If your financial circumstances changed and you had to find paid work, if you have a big gap in your record, it may impact on your success in finding work. Completing volunteering allows you to account for time and the charity or local organisation should be able to provide a reference.