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Original poster

To remind you to check your pension contributions before April 2025.

216 replies

AlisonWhatIsTheMatter · 29/01/2025 20:16

I’ve checked mine and even though I was advised to contract out of SERPS in the late 80s, (currently resting in Phoenix Life) I’m not missing any years of contributions ( I think) my forecast on GOV.UK states I cannot improve my forecast anymore.

I was reminded to check again last night after watching Martin Lewis.

Just a reminder to check your contributions before April 2025 otherwise you might not get another chance to ‘plug in’ any gaps.

I’ve attached my GOV.UK forecast so you can compare what yours states.

If only retirement age was still at 60! I’d have 5 years to go. 😩

To remind you to check your pension contributions before April 2025.
OP posts:
Thread gallery
7
Spicykitten · 29/01/2025 21:17

If I don’t laugh, I’ll cry…

To remind you to check your pension contributions before April 2025.
Karmaisagod · 29/01/2025 21:15

AlisonWhatIsTheMatter · 29/01/2025 20:16

I’ve checked mine and even though I was advised to contract out of SERPS in the late 80s, (currently resting in Phoenix Life) I’m not missing any years of contributions ( I think) my forecast on GOV.UK states I cannot improve my forecast anymore.

I was reminded to check again last night after watching Martin Lewis.

Just a reminder to check your contributions before April 2025 otherwise you might not get another chance to ‘plug in’ any gaps.

I’ve attached my GOV.UK forecast so you can compare what yours states.

If only retirement age was still at 60! I’d have 5 years to go. 😩

Thank you for sharing this, OP. If I get the same message as you, with the same amount and line "You cannot improve your forecast any more", does it mean I don't need to do anything? My retirement year is 3 before you.

Vaxtable · 29/01/2025 21:15

You must remember to actually check ni contributions not just rely on the page the op has posted

OnlyDespairRemains · 29/01/2025 21:15

Is there any point if they are threatening to means test the state pension?

If you have savings or a private pension, you might not get it even if you do fill in any gaps and if you don't qualify for the full pension and have no savings or private pension, you'll get topped up by benefits anyway.

Will there even be a state pension (or maybe even a state!) in 20 years time?

Remind me again how hard work pays.

Rosiecidar · 29/01/2025 21:15

Really helpful post, thank you OP and @Staringatthemoon

Pumpkincozynights · 29/01/2025 21:14

Thanks for this op.

LumpyandBumps · 29/01/2025 21:10

Staringatthemoon · 29/01/2025 21:00

@LumpyandBumps is that to do with Brexit/EU combined contributions? I think they still count, don’t they?

Thanks for your post.
I have only ever worked in the U.K.
The 39 qualifying years prior to 2016 still show on my record, and I thought I would be fine as that’s more years than currently required, but it’s not. Apparently current contributions are at a higher rate which is why less years are needed.
My Pension Forecast goes down every year as I haven’t paid in for that year.
I have recently started to get Class 3 credits so it shouldn’t get any worse from now on.

Spicykitten · 29/01/2025 21:08

It’s pointless me paying my gaps (from when I was at uni.) I’m in my late 20s, I expect the state pension age will be 70 odd by the time I get closer to retiring!

jolies1 · 29/01/2025 21:08

I’m showing a gap in 2009 - I was in full time education at that point (university) but working to pay my rent - I did a lot of hours that year and tipped just over the threshold for tax. I’m 37 now - would it be worth me plugging the gap?

Original poster
AlisonWhatIsTheMatter · 29/01/2025 21:05

Jimmychoo69 · 29/01/2025 21:03

I am the same age as you op. I checked my record yesterday and 21/22 was incomplete and I only had to pay £48 as I was one month short of a full years contributions. With a bit of effort I managed to pay it online and it states it takes 4/5 days to update. I will be checking next week to make sure it has. I have email confirmation and a reference number from HMRC.

That’s brilliant news!

OP posts:
Sunshineandrainbow · 29/01/2025 21:04

Thanks op

I have 6 more years left to pay before 2043 sounds ages away! Hey ho 🙂

Jimmychoo69 · 29/01/2025 21:03

I am the same age as you op. I checked my record yesterday and 21/22 was incomplete and I only had to pay £48 as I was one month short of a full years contributions. With a bit of effort I managed to pay it online and it states it takes 4/5 days to update. I will be checking next week to make sure it has. I have email confirmation and a reference number from HMRC.

MikeRafone · 29/01/2025 21:02

Newname85 · 29/01/2025 20:32

If I’ve only lived in this country from 2007, can I still plug “gaps” for years before 2007?

No, as you weren’t in the country

you need 35 years of stamp to qualify for a full pension, supposedly

so you will have presently 17 years remaining to pay to qualify for full pension, you continue to pay afterwards regardless

if your age is less than 50 you’ll pay full stamp

Original poster
AlisonWhatIsTheMatter · 29/01/2025 21:00

@Staringatthemoon thank you so much for posting advise, it is much appreciated. I posted as a reminder but I don’t have the financial expertise to provide more detailed help, grateful for your input. Really hope it helps anyone who this affects.

OP posts:
Staringatthemoon · 29/01/2025 21:00

@LumpyandBumps is that to do with Brexit/EU combined contributions? I think they still count, don’t they?

LumpyandBumps · 29/01/2025 20:58

Yogurtraisins · 29/01/2025 20:50

So if I'm 30 and have 9 years completed, 5 incomplete is there any benefit to me of completing the years? Some of the missing years would need me to pay £800++!!!

The problem is no one can really tell you if it’s worth it.

In 2014 my pension forecast showed 39 qualifying years and a full pension.

Due to the changes in 2016 I am now 6 years short. I am due to get my pension in 2027 and as it’s possible to pay up to 6 years back at any time I’m not going to do anything until closer to the time.

If you are only 30 and already have 9 complete years I wouldn’t be paying out £800 a year on the off chance that there is still a decent pension when you retire if I was you.

hby9628 · 29/01/2025 20:57

I have 3 years more of contributions to get the max but I can't retire until 2047 🤣
At least I'm on track.

Staringatthemoon · 29/01/2025 20:57

@Newname85 you can pay for 2006-2007 and if you were working in a European country you might only have to pay £160 approx not the full amount £800

Original poster
AlisonWhatIsTheMatter · 29/01/2025 20:55

RedRosesParmaViolets · 29/01/2025 20:52

Mine says I need to work for 5 more years I'm 49 does this sound correct

It will mean 5 more years of contributions until you can’t improve your forecast anymore (I believe).

OP posts:
Staringatthemoon · 29/01/2025 20:54

@Yogurtraisins

you need to calculate how many years you have left to contribute and whether, combined with the 9 years you already have, that totals 35. If you have and plan on working those years, then no, it’s not worth you doing it - imv. You might say you want to have 10 years paid in and plan on going abroad so why not pay in that extra one now but it will be £800 whereas if you go to a European country and work, you could pay class2 contributions for that year at about £160.00 instead. So you need to do the calculations

Original poster
AlisonWhatIsTheMatter · 29/01/2025 20:54

Donotgogentle · 29/01/2025 20:50

I honestly don’t think I can cope until 2037, I’m knackered!

Same!

OP posts:
RedRosesParmaViolets · 29/01/2025 20:52

Mine says I need to work for 5 more years I'm 49 does this sound correct

Yogurtraisins · 29/01/2025 20:50

So if I'm 30 and have 9 years completed, 5 incomplete is there any benefit to me of completing the years? Some of the missing years would need me to pay £800++!!!

Donotgogentle · 29/01/2025 20:50

I honestly don’t think I can cope until 2037, I’m knackered!

Original poster
AlisonWhatIsTheMatter · 29/01/2025 20:48

Donotgogentle · 29/01/2025 20:42

We’re retiring in the same year op! I have 4 more years of NI contributions to make to get to £221 a week. Currently at £196.

I can imagine 2037 will be here in no time…😩 Will feel slightly resentful when 2030 comes and goes.

OP posts:
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