Confusion Over Pension

Not everyone gets the 'free' years - you have to be male and born before a certain date. Basically, if you had had a twin sister, she would have received her State pension at 63 years and X months, whereas you, as a male, will have to wait until you are 65. As part of the re-equalisation of State pension ages, your twin sister's State pension age is your Pension Credit age. This not only gives you access to means tested benefits, if you qualify, but also - as in your and Mr S's cases - non means tested goodies such as the Winter Fuel Allowance (you had to apply for it) and NI credits if you weren't working (applied to your NI record automatically).

Jack_Itin wrote: »

Thanks for that.....I realise that I won't get the full amount, because I was contracted out for some years.....they still say that I can contribute, to allow me to get the £152.51, but I have been advised to ignore this, as people are given two free years.....is this correct ?

Depending when you were born, yes:

https://www.gov.uk/automatic-pension-credits-for-men

Jack_Itin wrote: »

O.k....The other day I received my Old Age pension notification letter, giving a figure of £147.81 per week.....the government website says that I will get £152.51 per week.....which is correct ??....the gov. website also says that my NI contribution record for 2017/18 is not available yet.....I have over 40 years of contributions.......any clarification welcome....

The website includes the April 3% increase but your letter doesn't. £147.81 plus 3% = £152.24. Mr S's figures were a few pence out as well - don't know why.