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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:
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7
Donotgogentle · 29/01/2025 20:47

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?

If you go to your NI record checker on gov.uk, it will show which years are complete or not. It says there whether you can still make up the shortfall for any incomplete years.

Isthisexpected · 29/01/2025 20:46

Thank you.

Original poster
AlisonWhatIsTheMatter · 29/01/2025 20:44

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?

I’m no financial advisor so hopefully someone will come along to advise you.

When is your retirement date?

OP posts:
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.

Original poster
AlisonWhatIsTheMatter · 29/01/2025 20:42

Temporaryname158 · 29/01/2025 20:34

I wish I’d known of this in my 20’s I have my 3 years at university incomplete. Why do they cut it off? Why can’t you pay in for missing years further back? I wish I could.

I only thought to check last year when there was another Martin Lewis pensions special broadcast. When is your retirement date?

OP posts:
Original poster
AlisonWhatIsTheMatter · 29/01/2025 20:38

Pytilla · 29/01/2025 20:34

How do I check? Sorry am a bit confused

Here’s is the link on the GOV.UK site.

You will need to set up an account if you haven’t used this before. Have your NI number to hand.

www.gov.uk/check-state-pension

OP posts:
Temporaryname158 · 29/01/2025 20:35

@Pytilla you have to go on the government pensions gateway. The op has linked it in the first post I believe. Or Google pension forcast check or something like that. You will need your Gateway ID number and it will tell you if you have missing years, and how many years you still have to contribute

Temporaryname158 · 29/01/2025 20:34

I wish I’d known of this in my 20’s I have my 3 years at university incomplete. Why do they cut it off? Why can’t you pay in for missing years further back? I wish I could.

Pytilla · 29/01/2025 20:34

How do I check? Sorry am a bit confused

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?

Staringatthemoon · 29/01/2025 20:31

@Isthisexpected none, for some people. You will probably have more than 35 working years from when you start work to when you retire so you can afford to ‘skip’ some. But only you know that and I think for a lot of ordinary, PAYE and SE people each missed year can be a significant loss.

Isthisexpected · 29/01/2025 20:29

Can anyone explain the benefits of this is you still have many years to go?

TheDowagerCountessofPembroke · 29/01/2025 20:27

Staringatthemoon · 29/01/2025 20:25

Any years where you are short the full year of contributions - you can pay something up until April that will get you back the full year for years as far back as 2006.

Edited

Ah I see. My not full years are in the mid 90s so nothing I can do about them.

Staringatthemoon · 29/01/2025 20:25

Any years where you are short the full year of contributions - you can pay something up until April that will get you back the full year for years as far back as 2006.

TheDowagerCountessofPembroke · 29/01/2025 20:24

What should I be checking?

Staringatthemoon · 29/01/2025 20:24

Good idea, OP and we can pay back as far as 2006 until April.

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